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The earliest written reference of the village Kameňany, which was a part of the Gemer Kingdom lands, dates from 12th century. In 1243 this village, originally known as "Kwu" and "Koy - terra", was given as a sign of appreciation to the Bebek family by the King Belo IV. In the next few decades the village welcomed many new families and grew rapidly in size. At that time the village was considered to be moderately big, situated under the castle and by the local stream known as Rakýš. An early research done my Dr. Gustav Reuss shows that the village was originally located on the edge of the hill known as Železník, just above present village of Rákoš.
Since 1273 the inhabitants of the village were allowed to participate at the local elections. From 13th until 15th century, the village was divided into 7 separate small settlements. The present name of the village has been used since 1564. The old historical documents dating from 13th, 14th and 15th century and owned by the Ákos family show that the village had its own cloister for Franciscan monks. Unfortunately, there are no indications where exactly the cloister was situated within the village.
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During the Turkish invasions, around 1555, the local castle was still inhabited and later it was converted into monastery. At the same time, the number of inhabitants decreased rapidly, many of them were killed or simply moved away from the area. During the Hussite times, the village was isolated and the Kameňanský castle was destroyed.
The iron mines and furnaces were opened in the village during 16th century. The villagers used to work in the mining industry however many of them were occupied with farming, pottery, furrier's, clothes making and the grain trade. Many merchants from the village used to go to the nearby markets and sell their produce (including corn, wheat, oats, bacon, onions and other commodities). The merchants were known as "Cibulkéri" (derived from the Slovak word "cibuľa" meaning onion). During 18th and 19th century, some man in the village were known for production of the locally distilled brandy made of grains and fruits, especially plums. The old tradition of brandy making is still alive today. Nowadays, the brandy is made of damsons and plums and is known as "Kameňanská drienkovica". This alcoholic drink is very popular and is even used as an official drink for visitors of the country. It is a potent drink so visitors beware.
The geographical description of the village of Kameňany:
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The village of Kameňany is situated in the southern part of the mountain complex known as Slovenské rudohorie. Located in the valley of the local stream called Východný Turiec, the village stands at the southern foot of the hill known as Železník, which is the highest hill in the local natural area known as Jelšavsko - Kameňanský kras.
The raw iron ore was mined under this hill over the past centuries and therefore the area around the hill is known as "Banský vidiek" meaning the mining countryside (also known as "lia Balint"). This countryside consists of several villages including the village of Sirka, Rákoš, Turčok, Nandraž and Kameňany. The area is rich in limestone and numerous interesting pot - holes were found too. The surrounding natural area provides some beautiful panoramic views and is very suitable for walking and exploring.
Historical, cultural and architectural monuments in the village of Kameňany:
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The local Evangelical Church was built in the Roman style in the 13th century. During the 17th century, some parts of the church were rebuilt and new renaissance features were added to both the exterior and interior of the church. The interior of the church is well known for the painted wooden decorations and furniture dating from the 18th century. The altar painting dates from 1840 and was done by Mr. J. Czanczik. Several other paintings can be found on the wall behind the main altar. The main bell house of the church is also very nice. Both bells can produce a very clear and pleasant sound. The small bell house, which was rebuilt in the early 17th century (1603), has also got two bells. One of them is known as "umieráčik". There is also a Latin library containing valuable books written in the Latin language. It is located in the sacristy of the church.
There are numerous national architectural monuments located in the village. These include:
The memorial plate on the wall of the local Evangelical Church commemorating those who died in the World War I.
The monument commemorating those who died during the Slovak National Uprising (SNP - Slovenské národné povstanie). The monument is situated in front of the local store known as Jednota.
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The grave stone of Mr. Michal Bakuliny located in the local churchyard.
The Evangelical Church (built in the 17th century in the Roman style; rebuilt and renovated in 1716, 1785, 1920, 1967 and 1969).
The Bell house with the tower built in the classicist style.
The grave stone of Mrs. Judita Jerem in the local churchyard. The name of this lady was mentioned in the article written by PhDr. Jan V. Ormis known as "Dve ženy zo starého Gemera" (meaning "Two women from the old Gemer region"). The article can be found in the Obzor Gemera, annual VIII., No. 2, published in 1997).
The grave stone of Mr. Karol Bradovka - the local priest
The grave stone of Mrs. Zuzana Nandráži, neé Škultéty - the sister of Jozef Škultéty
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