Belín

The village in the middle of the Rimavská basin lies in the valley of small river Belín - a left tributary of Rimava river. Undulating fields are created by agricultural land.

Although the village is small it has secular history. The first written record dates back to 1349 and it says that the village was founded in the forest of Gerňanská valley. It was populated in the late 12th century under the name Beleyn. The name came through many changes and eventually since 1920 the village has been called Belín. The aboriginal villagers were subject to the royal ruler. In 1682 the Turks completely destroyed the village and many villagers were killed. When Turks left, land associations were established in the village. In the past the villagers were known as skilful craftsmen producing brooms and brushes.
The village reached its highest peak after the formation of Czechoslovakia and after the Second World War. Culture penetrated to the village very late. The first school was built in 1943, but then the village needed several decades for growth and modernization.
Neoclassical church of Reformed Church from 1863 is the oldest building in Belín and it was rebuilt in the 20th century. Janko Francisci-Rimavský who was one of the poets of Romantism was often writing about Rimavská valley. The historical beauty of the village is nowadays reminded by modern activities such as project Gothic Road and its Gemer-Rimava circle. Here you can find some historical architectural treasures that are worth visiting, e.g. original Gothic Roman-Catholic church of John the Baptist from 12th century and church of the Reformed Church from the 14th century in Rimavské Janovice. In Žipa there is Gothic Evangelic church from the 14th century with fragments of the wall paintings and painted altar. In Rimavská Seč you can visit church from 1457 with arched cross ribbed vault and lanced Gothic windows in presbytery. Visitors can enjoy spa Číž situated in the very South under the southern foot of Slovenské Rudohorie. The spa is known for its healing iodine-bromine water and especially patients with diseases of locomotive organs are treated there. You can also visit historical centre of Rimavská Sobota, Gombasecká cave, Domica cave, Betliar castle or castle Krásna Hôrka. In the near village Sútor there is nature reserve Ťahan with precious flora.

Belín is a good place for interesting trips and excursions as well as pleasant village and good host for visitors and tourists.