Bôrka

The earliest written reference of the village of Bôrka dates from 1409. In those days the village belonged to the members of the Turoa castle. Later, the cadastre of the village was transferred into the Gemer - Malohont area. From 1918 until 1938 the village was a part of former Czechoslovakia and later it was joined to Hungary (until 1945). From 1945 until 1993 it was once again a Czechoslovak village and since early January 1993 it has been a village belonging to the Slovak Republic.
The first settlers were either wood workers or farmers. In 19th century, the villagers were mainly occupied with iron mining. In 1849 the village became a temporary home to several Russian troops who were involved in the revolution. The big plague epidemic of 1873 and the flooding in 1879 were the worst tragic events in the entire history of this small Slovak village.
The village of Bôrka is situated on the edge of the natural area known as Slovenský kras and the vast mountain complex known as Slovenské rudohorie. Located by the local stream called Čremošná, the distance from the village of Bôrka to the nearby town of Rožnava is only 22 km. The nearest railway station is located 14 km from Bôrka, in the village of Lipovník.

The part of the village cadastral area belongs to the natural narrows known as Zádielská tiesňava which has been on the list of Protected Natural Areas since 1973. The area of Zádielská tiesňava, which is a part of Slovenský kras, is also on the list of International Network of Biosphere Areas. The ramblers and walkers of the district are more than welcome to take both short and long distance walks across some of the most beautiful places of this part of the country. The guided footpaths have been introduced to the area in 1977. Another protected area, known as Havrania skala (The Crow's Rock), has been established and open to the public in 1982. Spreading across almost 150 hectares of land, this protected area is known to be a home for a unique natural formation known as Snežná diera (The Snow Hole). This formation has been included to the list of the world's cultural and natural heritage protected by UNESCO in 1995.
There are several historical, cultural and religious buildings in the village of Bôrka. These include:
The local Manor house built in the neo baroque style in the late 18th century and rebuilt in the late 19th century.

Church

The Catholic Church of Karmelskej Panny Márie which was built in the baroque - classicist style in 1672. The Church is located on the remaining grounds of the old church with was built in 1428 in gothic style. The village church was later rebuilt (in 1759, 1896 and from 1991 to 1993).This simple church has got a nice sacristy and church tower. The main church altar was built in neo classicist style and contains the pilgrimage baroque picture of Holy Mary dating from the early 18th century.
The Reform Church built in the classicist style in 1794. The church tower was finished in the early 19th century (1804). The year of the last renovation of this church: 1976.
There are also three small chapels dotted around the village.
The major religious event which takes place in the village of Bôrka is the pilgrimage of Karmelskej Panny Márie. It takes place in the mid July each year.

The facilities of the village include:
Sport center used for various sporting events. Built in 2000, this center was partly financed by the kind contribution of the Globtel Konto.
The General Store open daily except Sundays. The opening hours:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: from 08:00 am until 06:00 p.m.
Wednesday: from 08:00 am until11:30 am from 02:00 p.m. until 06:00 p.m.
Saturday: from 08:00 am until midday
The contact details of the Village Council:
Address: Obecný úrad Bôrka, post code 049 42 Slovakia