Slavošovce

The village of Slavošovce is located in the District of Rožňava, in the Upper Gemer region. The total cadastral area of the village is 1553 hectares. Surrounded by the mountain complex known as Slovenské rudohorie, the village is located in the valley of a small local stream called Štítnica. This small stream springs in the area known as Kohút.
The earliest written reference of Slavošovce dates from the early 14th century (1318). The earliest owners of the village were two local families - the Bebek family and the Andrássy family. The name of the village has changed several times during the past centuries and it became known as Slavošovce in 1932. The village's own coat of arms has got a great historical value. It shows a picture of St. Gál and dates from 16th century (1561). There are numerous historically valuable buildings in the village. One of them is a local church. Originally built in 1395 in the gothic style, the church was renovated and several baroque and classicist features were added to the interior and exterior of the building. During 16th and 17th century (from 1596 - 1686) the church became a shelter for many local people who try to hide and find security from the Turkish invaders. The eastern part of the church has still got several original features. The exterior wall of the church has got a memorial plate commemorating people who died during World War I.

Several iron mills were open during 17th and 18th century. These were later converted into paper mills. The oldest paper company established by Mrs. Johanna Gyurková dates from 1817. Mrs. J. Gyurková (born in 1796 - died in 1865) had also introduced the automatic paper machines into the area, the first of that sort used in the paper industry in the entire Hungarian Empire. She has been buried in the local churchyard. Several other paper producers, including Mr. Michal Gaura and Mr. Martin Barmozy, were known to produce high quality paper during 18th century. The paper was used for many purposes. At present, the high quality paper is still produced in the village Slavošovce. Majority of Slovak paper stationery, note books, exercise books, paper tissues, paper serviettes and other products which can be found on the shelves of supermarkets and stationery stores are made in this local paper factory. During World War II. in 1944 there was a tragic explosion in the upper porter's lodge of the factory. To commemorate this terrible event, a monument in a shape of an explosion was erected in the village. The second monument in the village of Slavošovce was built to remember the Slovak National Uprising (Slovenské národné povstanie). Towards to the end of the World War II., the village was finally liberated in January 24th, 1945.

Altar

Several famous natives born in the village of Slavošovce include:
Pavol Emanuel Dobšinský (born in March 16th 1828, died in October 22nd 1885) - the national historian, talented writer and unique collector of traditional Slovak stories, tales and myths. A Memorial Room was open several years ago in the house where he and other members of his family lived. Numerous personal items of this Master are kept untouched in the room.
Prof. Ján Čajak Junior - on of the relatives of Mr. Pavol Emanuel Dobšinský was also born in the village of Slavošovce. The life achievement of this gifted writer and actor were recognized by local inhabitants. The memorial plate and monument of Mr. Ján Čajak are just several examples of how his spirit still lives in the village. The monument is located in the courtyard of the local primary school.

Several teachers and preachers lived in the local parsonage for a few years and contributed to the increase of education in the area. These include Juraj Sexty, Pavol Jozef Šafárik, O. Vans and the father of famous Pavol Emanuel Dobšinský.
Nowadays, Slavošovce is a modern village with good infrastructure and variety of facilities. There are about 1800 people living in the village. The village of Slavošovce, surrounded by beautiful nature and rich in history, is a typical example of friendly and welcoming village. The local village facilities include:
Local farmer's co - operative association, Printing company, Local bakery, Several general stores, A few local pubs, Small railway station, Several bus stops, Health center and surgery, Several cultural halls, A few accommodation facilities, Forest association.