Nižná Myšľa: Archaeology, Monastery History and Nature

Nižná Myšľa lies at the transition between the Košice Basin and the Slanské vrchy, at the confluence of the Hornád, Olšava and Torysa rivers.

Skalka: Nature and Archaeology

On the eastern side of the town, Skalka lies above the Olšava River. The area is used for hiking and enjoying nature, and offers views of the East Slovak landscape. Skalka is about 20 minutes from Nižná Myšľa; the exact duration may vary depending on the route. Skalka is also an archaeological site.

Várhegy and the Museum

The Archeoskanzen Nižná Myšľa is located at the Várhegy archaeological site. This archaeological complex features fortified settlements, a burial ground and reconstructions of houses from the Early and Middle Bronze Age. The combination of fortifications, dwellings and a burial ground brings together settlement and burial themes within the complex. The Archeoskanzen also displays a working replica of a monoxylon—a boat made from a single piece of wood. Before your trip, check whether the replica is still on display there.

The Myšľanské obecné múzeum is housed in a 13th-century monastery building. It presents the region’s archaeological and cultural heritage, especially finds from excavations at an archaeological site of European significance in the municipality of Nižná Myšľa.

Monastery, Church and Chapels

Among the oldest parts of the original monastery structure are preserved underground passages made of stone and mortar. A Prussian vault bearing the Jesuit symbol IHS survives from the former monastery chapel; catacombs lie beneath the monastery building. The present-day Church of St. Nicholas is Baroque-Classical in style and was built between 1802 and 1805.

The Chapel of the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary dates from the early 19th century and is located below the church. The Chapel of the Holy Family dates from around 1930 and has valuable doors with wrought-iron grilles. The Chapel of St. John of Nepomuk is the oldest chapel in Nižná Myšľa and stands by the bridge over the Olšava. The Marian Chapel was built in 2000 on the road to Koscelek.

Pilgrimage Route and Hiking Event

The Cesta sv. Alžbety pilgrimage route passes through Nižná Myšľa and has connected Košice with Sárospatak (Blatný Potok) since 2011. A holy mass is celebrated once a year at nearby Koscelek.

The annual “Prechod Slanskými vrchmi” hiking event is organized by the Nižná Myšľa municipal office; it was first held officially on January 17, 1970. The 15-kilometre route starts after a transfer from Nižná Myšľa in the direction of Slanec, then passes via Bradlo (840 m), Červený vrch and Koscelek before returning to Nižná Myšľa. Since the date and arrangements may change, check the details for the year of your trip.

Discover more destinations: Moldava Nad Bodvou, Košická Belá, Vyšný Klátov, Vyšný Medzev, Zlatá Idka, Malá Ida, Kechnec, Medzev

Return to the regional travel guide: Okres Košice-Okolie.