Tajov: Travertine, Tunnel and Cultural History

Tajov can be explored through three distinct themes: a protected geological formation, an old tunnel in the Kremnica Mountains, and traces of local church and literary history. Natural landscapes and trails sit alongside historic buildings and exhibitions. This gives you several clearly distinct points of interest to consider when planning your stay.

Nature and the Trail to Tajovská kopa

The protected Tajovská kopa lies near the municipality of Tajov in the Kremnica Mountains. It is an 18-metre-high travertine mound on a hillside, with a cascading waterfall and stalactite formations. The limestone-rich water flowing down the slope created these formations. Both the shape of the mound and the effect of the water shape the landscape. A yellow-marked hiking trail leads from Tajov towards Suchý vrch and Tajovská kopa; the walk takes about 15 minutes. The approximate duration and specific trail marking help you plan your trip. As trail conditions may vary by season, it is a good idea to check them before setting out.

The Görgeyho Tunnel: Mining Route and Present-Day Use

The old Görgeyho Tunnel lies high in the Kremnica Mountains, along a historic mining route between Kremnica and Banská Bystrica. Its location connects it with the history of this route. Today, it is also a popular passage for hikers and cyclists, and for cross-country skiers in winter. Thus, alongside its historical significance, the tunnel serves as a setting for a range of outdoor activities. From the Banská Bystrica side, it can be reached via a yellow-marked trail starting at the car park by the former Sokol or State Chalet above Tajov. For orientation, the starting side, car park and trail marking are all important. Check trail and parking conditions before setting out; in winter, conditions may affect access.

Church and Bells in Tajov

The Roman Catholic Church of St John the Baptist (Kostol sv. Jána Krstiteľa) is considered the municipality’s oldest cultural and historical monument. It was reconstructed in the 18th century in the Renaissance-Baroque style. The bell tower adds specific dated details to this architectural context: it houses the large bell of St Ignatius, dating from 1771, as well as two newer bells from 1922. The dates show that the bells were made at different times. The building’s history and its bells thus offer two different perspectives on the same monument: the style of its reconstruction and the dates of the bells.

Literary and Local History at Pamätný dom

The Pamätný dom Jozefa Gregora Tajovského houses an exhibition in the writer’s wooden birthplace. It explores the history of Tajov and notable figures from the municipality. Its main focus is the literary connection between Jozef Gregor Tajovský and his wife Hana Gregorová, who was a writer and translator. The entrance area also features a small exhibition about Jozef Murgaš, who was from Tajov and was an inventor, painter and priest. The exhibition therefore covers both the town’s literary history and another notable person who came from Tajov. Together with the church, bells and tunnel, it reveals a local history that can be explored through several different themes rather than a single monument.

Discover more destinations: Dolná Mičiná, Horná Mičiná, Vlkanová, Riečka, Môlča, Spania Dolina, Harmanec, Lučatín

For the wider travel overview: Okres Banská Bystrica.