Jestice: Volcanic Landscape, Bird Habitats and Hradný vrch

Jestice is located in the eastern part of the Cerová vrchovina, in the valley of the upper course of the Mačací potok. The village therefore combines a clearly identifiable landscape setting with traces of cultural history and notable biological importance. Part of the Cerová vrchovina Protected Landscape Area lies within the cadastral territory of Jestice; at the same time, Jestice is one of the cadastral territories of the Cerová vrchovina a Rimavská kotlina Natura 2000 protected area.

Landscape and protected habitats

The Cerová vrchovina has a distinctive volcanic relief. However, volcanic rocks cover less than 10% of its area, while most of the mountain range consists of sandstone. The Cerová vrchovina Protected Landscape Area was first designated by Decree No. 113/1989 Coll. of the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Socialist Republic on 10 October 1989, covering an area of 16,280 ha.

Birdlife is also part of the special classification of this landscape. Cerová vrchovina–Porimavie is one of the three most important areas in Slovakia for the breeding of the woodlark (Lulula arborea) and one of the five most important areas for the breeding of the Eurasian scops owl (Otus scops) and European bee-eater (Merops apiaster). The Cerová vrchovina a Rimavská kotlina Natura 2000 protected area has warm and dry conditions suitable for the breeding and survival of these three species. Important bird habitats in the Special Protection Area include forests, poplar avenues and other avenues, riparian stands of willows and alders, orchards, vineyards, rock scree and other rocky habitats.

Path to Hradný vrch and medieval traces

If you want to explore Hradný vrch on foot, the best route begins at the Jestice municipal office. It initially follows a road towards the cultural centre and then turns into a field track. The route is not officially marked with hiking signs, takes about 30 to 40 minutes on foot and should be followed with a map or GPS.

Hrádok Jestice, probably a smaller medieval fortress, is connected with the history of the village. The southern access side was protected by raised earth ramparts. The fortification probably dates to the Árpádian period; its existence is also connected with a written reference from 1333/1334, in which the castle hill is called “mons Waarheg”. A key, a knife and horseshoes attest to settlement from the 11th to the 13th century. Today, only modest earth ramparts, about three metres high and overgrown with dense forest, remain of Hrádok Jestice.

Village culture and local memory

The central structure in Jestice is a bell tower. The village also has characteristic vernacular houses. The municipal office building houses a permanent local exhibition of folk art and the preservation of traditions, which visitors can view at any time. An archaeological connection is documented by the 2015 exhibition “Hrady v Gemeri-Malohonte” of the Gemersko-malohontské Museum, which presented archaeological finds from Jestice–Várhegy.

Other cultural points of interest include the chapel dedicated to Saint Andrew, built in 1996. Three folk music recordings from 1974 and 1985 originate from Jestice. The dances “Karéj”, “Csárdás” and “Csárdás, ugrató” are also associated with the village. Thus, in Jestice, alongside protected landscapes and castle history, you will encounter forms of local architectural, musical and dance tradition.

Other destinations: Žíp, Gemerský Jablonec, Tisovec, Martinová, Gemerské Dechtáre, Klenovec, Rimavské Janovce, Veľké Teriakovce.

To the overarching travel overview: Okres Rimavská Sobota.