Click to enlarge.
THE TOWN of Štítnik in the Gemer region is known for its Gothic church with marvellous wall paintings, which make it a perfect place to visit in southeast Slovakia.
The town was better known in the 17th century, though, as one of the best swordmaking centres in Hungary, where, among others, the highly sought-after Štítnik saber was manufactured. Gabriel Bakoš, an ally of the famous noble rebel Juraj I Rákóci (Rákóczi György), chose to outfit his army with swords from Štítnik.
The fact that the sword manufacturers guild had its own bank in the church just goes to show how respected its craftsmen were.
Local representatives of iron production also profited during the revolutionary years, 1848-1849, when, at the request of the leader of the Hungarian revolutionary guards, they produced 20,000 cannon balls.
This postcard shows Štítnik before the First World War.
Prepared by Branislav Chovan
