SLOVAKIA -
Medzev
Medzev or Metzenseifen has for a long time inhabited by people of German and Flemish origin. During the time this group developed itself together with the so called Karpaten-deutschen to a group which is known as the Mantaken. Miners, craft workers and farmers came with their families to the east by invitation of the Hungarian King Bela IV, and established themselves in the mountain area at the river Bodwa. They found in this area, copper ore and later iron ore. The first settlement was built northwest of the current Medzev and to this day still called "Threshold". This original spot was left after some decades and the inhabitants went to the "Ground", the oldest street of the municipality, which still has that name. The first written indication concerning Medzev/Metzenseifen dates from 1272. It tells about a conflict concerning abuse of the forest by the highlanders. The next report comes from 1359 and concerns a border dispute. In the 14 th century, more and more people established themselves in the area. The newcomers extracted iron from the mines and built forges. The construction of the first forge was started in 1371. The peak of prosperity in mining and forges was in the years around 1870. In that time the forges of Medzev were famous in Austria, Hungary and beyond. The mines, passed down in the families from generation on generation, were of substantial importance for the community and are depicted on the symbol of the municipality. The plague epidemics in 1622, and between 1709 and 1711 claimed a lot of lives. On the market square, a memorial monument has been built for them. In 1752, the first school was built. Until then the children went to school in Vyn Medzev. The construction of the railway of Moldava/Moldau to Medzev/Metzenzeifen in 1894 was principally for the transport of iron ore. Medzev became famous for the products from the forges, which were especially intended for use in agriculture. The twentieth century, with its development of industry and with the new technological procedures led, together with the new borders, to the perdition of the traditional forges. Nowadays this masterwork is still practised in two remaining forges. Some owners try to give the old technology a new stimulant, for example by forging grates, gates, palisades etc. Medzev lies between two mountains, Slowaki Karstes and the Slovakian Ore Mountains, at the river Bodwa. Medzev has 3600 inhabitants. The municipality has a wealth of forest fruits and offers a mixture of flora and fauna. The way which leads from Jasov through Medzev to ts, is the northeast border of the Slowaki Karstes, a tourist area, with beautiful nature and important cultural and historical monuments. From that point of view, Medzev is an ideal place for tourists. The rebuilt hotel Ranc Sugov offers calmness, a good kitchen, a riding school and fish water, but has also facilitites for organising a seminar or a grand festival. For the bicycle tourists there are complete routes. In the winter, the surroundings offer possibilities to ski and cross-country. There is a lot to discover in Medzev.
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