Širkovce: Kapla Castle, Architecture and Landscape

Širkovce brings together landscape, architectural heritage and archaeological traces in one place. For planning your trip, several clear themes are available: Kapla Castle and its waymarked hiking trail, the Reformed Church, and community life with recurring events. Its geographical location between the river, basin and mountain range also gives the destination a clear setting.

Landscape and location

Širkovce lies on the right bank of the Rimava River and at the foot of the Cerová vrchovina, in the southwestern part of the Rimavská kotlina Basin. The cadastral area belongs to the Cerová vrchovina and Rimavská kotlina Natura 2000 site. In the southern part of the municipality, the terrain is flat to hilly; there are oak forests and black locust stands there. In the southern part of the municipality, the terrain is flat to hilly; there are oak forests and black locust stands there. The Natura 2000 designation applies to the cadastral area.

Kapla Castle and archaeological traces

A waymarked blue trail leads from Širkovce to Kapla Castle and is about 1.5 kilometres long. The site of Kapla Castle can be reached by train, car, on foot or by bicycle. The blue-marked route from Širkovce to Kapla Castle is about 1.5 kilometres long; you can reach the castle site by train, car, on foot or by bicycle. Kapla Castle was built in the 13th to 14th centuries; today, only ramparts and foundations are visible. Archaeological investigations uncovered older settlement traces from the Stone and Bronze Ages alongside the castle remains. The castle site thus brings together medieval ruins and evidence of much earlier settlement.

Church and community museum

The Reformed Church was built in 1718, is in good condition and is still used for religious purposes. It is a hall church with a projecting tower, a flat coffered ceiling and wooden Protestant galleries. Its features can be grouped by structure and furnishings: the hall church and tower describe the building’s form, while the coffered ceiling and galleries describe the interior. Širkovce also has a community museum.

Park and events

The park is used for cultural events. An amphitheatre stands beside a pond with a spring. An annual fair features demonstrations of traditional crafts, a cultural programme and refreshments; Community Days are also held every year. In addition, a tradition of agricultural machinery exhibitions was established in Širkovce.

Reason for travel and timing

If you are looking for a hotel in Širkovce, your reason for travelling can guide your scheduling: a trip to Kapla Castle combines a hike with archaeological history, while a visit to the fair or Community Days depends on the dates of the respective events. Check these dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Sútor, Bottovo, Veľké Teriakovce, Gemerský Jablonec, Gemerček, Lipovec, Rakytník, Kraskovo

See the broader travel overview: Rimavská Sobota District.