Description
In the vicinity of Spišské Podhradie, there is a popular and sought after locality, dominated by a travertine hill called Sivá Brada (Grey Beard). This 25-meter-high hill is one of the few still living travertine piles in Slovakia. It is due to the still rising mineralized water, especially in the north and south of the hills.
In the past, a geyser had also spurted up to a few meters in height, but there were only signs of a calm rush of bubbling water caused by the escape of carbon dioxide. The largest spring that never dries is located in the middle of the travertine kicks and creates a small pond.
Due to its uniqueness, Sivá Brada was declared a National Nature Reserve in 1979. However, the site is not only interesting from the point of view of natural heritage, but also from the historical and cultural point of view. On the hill, there is a picturesque baroque pilgrimage Chapel of St. Cross dating from 1675, which is the dominant of the wide surroundings.
Siva Brada is easily accessible and thanks to the chapel, the site is visible from the main road towards Spišské Podhradie. The marked hiking trail starts here and starts at Spišský salaš (pastoral hut) and continues from Sivá Brada through Pažice, Spišská Kapitula, Spišské Podhradie, Spiš castle and travertine hills of Sobotisko and Dreveník to the village of Žehra.
You may need some: accommodation Spišské PodhradieMap
Tourist map (GPS 49.00612, 20.72296)
Google maps (Navigation)
Comments [1]
András Kiss • Jun 2023
„It is a very nice place, the centre of Slovakia for me. Siva Brada, Kapitula with the church, the Tavern, the little town end the rock world of the Drevenik and the frescos in the church of Zehra.“
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