Lovinobaňa combines a rich history of churches and mining with cultural events, traditional dishes with regional connections and a nearby destination for water-based activities. The Evangelical church and mining heritage give the town’s history a cultural focus; the Ružiná Reservoir offers a different attraction. You can tailor your stay to whether you are mainly looking for historic architecture, mining history, a cultural event, traditional dishes or water sports.
The Evangelical Church and Its Art
Lovinobaňa’s Evangelical church was built in 1863 in the late Classicist style on the site of an originally Gothic church. Its altar features a painting depicting Christ on the sea. It dates from 1860 and was painted by Peter Michal Bohúň. The church also still houses a Rieger organ made in Budapest in 1907. The three dates provide a timeline for the building and its furnishings: the painting predates the church, while the organ was made much later.
Silver, Iron Ore and the 1667 Seal
Silver was mined mainly in Lovinobaňa from 1247 to 1250. From the early 14th century, the Losonczy family showed an interest in mining and opened new mining workings in Lovinobaňa over the course of the 14th century. Iron ore was also mined in the area during the Middle Ages; two smelters were operating there until the 17th century. Lovinobaňa’s seal from 1667 depicts mining tools and is considered an unusual example of Slovak sphragistics, the study of seals. Mining is therefore part of the town’s history as well as a motif on its seal.
Memorial Plaque, Events and Water Activities
A memorial plaque unveiled in Lovinobaňa in 1946 commemorates the founding of the Revolutionary National Committee and the District Revolutionary National Committee. It is listed as a national cultural monument and adds another chapter to the town’s history alongside its church and mining heritage.
The nearby Ružiná Reservoir offers opportunities for swimming at beaches, water sports and fishing. The town’s history and water activities thus provide different ways to shape your trip. The municipality’s cultural programme includes the events “Deň obce” and “Dolovanie tradícií”. If you would like to plan your trip around either event, check the dates in advance.
Traditional Dishes with Regional Connections
Monika Albertiová – Podplameník makes the traditional foods Koláče–zavináče, Podplameník and Čír soup. Čír soup was eaten mainly in Lovinobaňa, Mýtna and the neighbouring villages. The products are sold directly by the producer by prior arrangement. If you would like to include one of the products in your travel plans, check current availability with the producer in advance.
Fishing: Two Authorities to Contact
The municipality of Lovinobaňa issues fishing licences; permission to fish is granted by the holder of the fishing rights in the relevant fishing area. If you plan to fish, check the current requirements with the relevant authorities in advance.
Discover more destinations: Ábelová, Šávoľ, Trebeľovce, Píla, Kotmanová, Licince, Ľuboreč, Mýtna
Return to the overview of destinations: Lučenec District.
