Petrovce – Hiking Trail, Landscape and History

Petrovce is located in the Cerová vrchovina. A marked hiking trail, traces of historic settlements and the Church of the Holy Trinity offer different ways to explore the area. The historic boundary of three counties is also part of its context. If you are looking for a place with nature and history to explore on your trip to Slovakia, you will find both here in clearly distinct settings.

Hiking and Water

The yellow-marked hiking trail No. 8495 starts in Petrovce and runs 4.6 kilometres to border crossing IX/19 between Slovakia and Hungary. The stated distance and specific border crossing provide a clear framework if you want to include a hike in your travel plans. Check the trail markers and access conditions locally.

Another point of interest is the VN Petrovce reservoir: it covers 63 ha and is located near Gemerský Jablonec and Petrovce. It is designated as a carp fishing water, and fishing is restricted. If you are considering fishing, check the applicable Slovak fishing regulations and local conditions in advance.

Historical Traces

Petrovce lies on the historic boundary of the counties of Novohrad, Gemer and Borsod. These three names place the village in a historic border region. Numerous Neolithic and Bronze Age finds have been discovered in Petrovce, adding a much earlier archaeological layer to its history. Until the 1940s, a Romanesque church dating from the second quarter of the 13th century stood near Petrovce; it was dedicated to the Holy Trinity.

The recorded settlement history begins with Sáros, founded by the Sárosi family. Nobles from Sáros founded Kissáros and Péterfala, before the entire population of Sáros later moved to Petri. This recorded sequence passes through several named settlements and a later relocation, offering a different historical perspective from the archaeological finds.

For historical context, it is worth keeping these layers distinct: the county boundary describes the regional setting, the settlement names the foundations and subsequent move, and the finds point to a much earlier past.

Church Architecture and Landscape

Petrovce is home to the Church of the Holy Trinity. It is inspired by Cubism and the tectonics of Romanesque buildings. The term “tectonics” draws attention to a building’s structural composition; alongside an art movement, the architecture itself is also a point of interest. The church is in good condition and serves its religious purpose. If you are planning a visit, check accessibility in advance.

The Fenek wetland, protected since 1993, covers 3.98 ha and is a rare surviving wetland habitat in the Cerová vrchovina. Its species include the endangered plant species prilbovka dlholistá and prilbovka biela, as well as rare snail species and water-dependent insects.

Discover more destinations: Slizké, Rimavská Sobota, Tisovec, Ivanice, Vieska Nad Blhom, Cakov, Španie Pole, Hnúšťa

For the broader travel overview: Okres Rimavská Sobota.