| |
|
|
|
|
The village of Betliar is situated in the South Eastern part of the mountain range known as Slovenske Rudohorie and is located in the valley of the Slana river.
The earliest written reference of the village, originally known as "Bethler", dates from 1330. Betliar was owned by the powerful family of Stitnicky (Cetnekovy) and since 1642 it was inherited by Andrassy family clan. The members of Andrassy family gave permission to build a unique manor house in the village at the beginning of 18th century.
Built in the renaissance - baroque style with many hunting features, the manor house is a beautiful example of family history and old hunting traditions. The manor house was rebuilt into classicist style (between 1792 and 1795) and moderately sized English park and garden have certainly contributed to the value of the house. This family manor house was inhabited until 1945.
|
|
The history of Beliar village is closely connected to the mining industry in this area. Mining, originally the most profitable industry of the region, had its peak (in the mid 19th century) and its downfall (in the late 15th century, and again at the end of 19th century and beginning of 20th century).
|
|
Unfortunately, the mining tradition is not kept alive anymore and local inhabitants are occupied in farming, forestry industry and various craft work.
For those interested in religious history and architecture there are two churches in the village (Evangelic Church and Roman Catholic Church) of great interest.
|
|