Arnutovce – Church, History and Cycling Route

Arnutovce is centred on two different interests: the Church of St. Helena, with its late Gothic history, and a section of cycling route with a climb and panoramic views. The church brings together several historical layers, while the route offers not only scenic views but also a field track with variable surface conditions. This lets you decide whether sacred art, local history or cycling is most important for your stay.

Church of St. Helena: Building Phases and Altars

The Roman Catholic Church of St. Helena was originally built in the late Gothic style at the beginning of the 15th century. It has been listed as a national cultural monument since 15 October 1963. The tower was added in the second half of the 16th century and was remodelled and enlarged in the 18th century. The late Gothic origins and the later phases of the tower thus mark different periods in the building’s history.

The altars also show a contrast in age. The church has a Gothic winged altar of the Virgin Mary, dating approximately to 1485 and attributed to Master Martin of Levoča. There is also a Rococo altar of St. Sebastian, dating approximately to 1770–1780. Nearly three centuries separate these approximate dates. This makes it possible to compare a late medieval altar with a work from the Rococo period when exploring sacred art in Arnutovce.

Local History and Cultural Traces

A notable date in the history of the village is 1366, when Arnutovce was transferred to the Carthusians of Skala Útočišťa. After the Reformation and the dissolution of the monastery in 1543, it returned to royal ownership. This sequence shows two distinct historical steps: the transfer to the order and the later return to royal ownership.

In the cemetery in Arnutovce, the double grave No. 47 is the burial place of Štefan Hadri and his daughter Helena. This specific place of remembrance adds a personal trace to the architectural and local history. Ľudovít Hadri – Ľuboslav was a teacher, organist, poet and writer. His activities offer another perspective on education, music and literature.

Thermal Spring: Historical Context

The thermal spring is a separate topic from the church and needs to be considered in its historical context. A chemical analysis dated 11 September 1990 described the water as weakly mineralised, sulphurous and lukewarm, and as suitable for a recreational pool. The spring is not currently used to generate heat; its water flows freely into a receiving stream.

Cycling to Arnutovce

The cycling route section to Arnutovce includes a moderate climb, a field track with variable surface conditions and a ridge with panoramic views. This brings the scenery and riding surface together as distinct aspects. As surface conditions can change seasonally, it is worth checking the current conditions on the section before setting off. When planning, you can take into account the climb, the terrain and the views.

Discover more destinations: Harichovce, Spisske Tomasovce, Markušovce, Rudnany, Krompachy, Poráč, Betlanovce, Smizany.

For the overview of the wider travel region: Okres Spišská Nová Ves.