Giraltovce – History, Culture and Routes Along Waterways

Giraltovce lies at the confluence of the Topľa and Radomka rivers. The town is home to a Protestant church with several dated construction phases, a Jewish cemetery with a Holocaust memorial, and Park Mieru, a venue for events. Walking and circular routes also offer different perspectives on the waterways and landscape. For your planning, this gives you specific cultural themes alongside routes whose lengths and approximate durations can be compared.

History and Remembrance

The Protestant church in Giraltovce was built with a tower between 1650 and 1654. In 1798, it was extensively rebuilt, extended and enlarged. The Renaissance tower was restored in 1810. This makes it possible to distinguish chronologically between the original construction, the rebuilding of the church and the later work on the tower.

The Giraltovce Jewish cemetery was established on a hill within the town in 1862. It contains approximately 100 gravestones, mostly made of sandstone and granite; the number may change as conservation work is carried out. A Holocaust memorial was erected in the cemetery in 2008, listing the Jewish families who lived in Giraltovce until 1942.

Culture in Park Mieru

The amphitheatre in Park Mieru provides a venue for large music events and festivals. The Topľa Valley Folklore Festival was held for the 33rd time in Park Mieru in Giraltovce on 7 June 2026. Check current event information for later dates.

Another cultural highlight is Hlovíkova litera, a literary competition named after the writer and Protestant pastor Adam Hlovík. It was held in Giraltovce for many years. The tenth edition is listed for 2026; check current information for later dates.

Routes and Landscape

The walking route along the Topľa runs from the former tannery past the dam and along the riverbank path to the edge of Giraltovce. It is 3 km long and takes about 2 hours. The Rybník circular route follows Ulica kpt. Nálepku and a field track along the Radomka and a stream. It covers 4 km and takes approximately 3 hours. The CHPR Radomka circular route is 6 km long and takes about 4 hours; it crosses a stream and passes through wet meadows and pastures. The options range from about two hours over 3 km to four hours over 6 km, with Rybník in between at approximately three hours and 4 km. Check the route locally before setting out.

Seasonally, herons, gulls, fish and amphibians can be spotted along the Rybník circular route; aquatic and marsh plants also grow there. The walking route along the Topľa features riverside vegetation and fishing spots; wild ducks and fish may also be seen there. Wildlife sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed. The western part of the municipality is flat, while the eastern part is gently rolling to more varied. The Radomka Nature Reserve lies in the area around Giraltovce and protects natural meadow and fen communities in floodplain meadows along the Radomka stream.

Practical Information

Fishing permits can be purchased every Friday during office hours, from 16:30 to 19:30, at the MO SRZ Giraltovce office. Check the opening times before you arrive.

A municipal seasonal notice dated 17 June 2026 lists tennis courts and a beach volleyball court for hire. Availability may change; confirm it when planning your visit.

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