THE GEMER region was a major iron-ore mining and processing centre during the Austro-Hungarian empire. This picture is of Tisovec, in the Rimavská valley, one of the mining and ironworking areas of the region, taken at the beginning of the 20th century.
Today, people come to Tisovec to admire its beautiful environs, but in the past prospectors searched the valley for gold and silver nuggets washed up by the river Rimava.
The gold mining tradition is closely associated with the Rimava, as suggested by its name, derived from the Latin word "rimor" meaning "dig" or "rake".
Miners excavating the surrounding hills for iron ore later succeeded the precious metal hunters. Mining flourished in the region and a smelter was founded there in 1695.
This activity was overseen by armed forces from the hill above Tisovec, where two castles used to stand. All that is left now are a few dilapidated walls.
By Branislav Chovan, Special to the Spectator
