Kyjatice, located in the district of Rimavská Sobota, is renowned for its culture. At the same time, it is the seat of a remarkable church and adjacent school. Come to the picturesque village and discover the hidden charms of the place.
Quite recently, Kyjatice got into the broader awareness thanks to the project, which managed to raise funds for the renovation of the dilapidated building of the former village school. Interestingly, the school building stands closer to the church than the rectory, which proves the importance of education there. In this context, it is important to mention Ladislav Hedvigi, one of the few producers of traditional toys from Kyjatice. It was he who decided to save the old building, roughly 200 years old. He would like to renovate it, with help, set up a workshop there, and open a permanent exhibition of Kyjatice toys and furniture. At the same time, he wants to spread awareness, do interesting projects and present the neighboring church. Beautiful thought, isn’t it? So if you would like to participate and contribute with any help, please visit the website of their Civic Association www.ozkyjatickehracky.sk where you can learn more about the project.
Internationally Recognized Talent
The inhabitants of Kyjatice lived on various jobs. Still, they were also known as producers of furniture and grain bins, which also used to be exported outside the region. The masters used their skills and began to produce toys decorated with motifs used in furniture decoration. Their art did not go unnoticed, and people became increasingly interested in beautiful toys – they eventually became renowned far and wide. They were made of beech wood, soaked with natural mordant, and carved with a special circular ornament on both sides – it became typical for Kyjatice toys. The most prevailing motifs were horses and roosters, other animals, miniature furniture or work tools such as a chair or a wheelbarrow, or cases of various sizes and shelves. In the 20th century, for various reasons, there was a gradual decline in the production of toys. So Mr. Hedvigi is also trying to renew and revive it.
Small Church Big Sights
A visit to the Gothic church in Kyjatice is truly an experience. It is an evangelical church, which, during re-Catholicization, also operated as a Catholic church for some time. Today it is part of the Gemer-Rimavian cultural and Gothic route, where you can get to know the beauty and history of various monuments. The rare fresco decoration inside dates back to the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries, but it was discovered under newer layers in 1894 – and was repainted until finally rediscovered and renovated in 1986.
When entering a small church, the visitor is enchanted by many beauties. Although it is difficult to choose where to look first, the view captivates with a remarkable representation of the Last Judgment in the form of a large circle in the nave of the church dominated by the figure of Jesus Christ in the mandorla. On the victory arch, there is a depiction of the passion of Jesus and the Parable of the Ten Virgins. Frescoes can also be found in the presbytery. Still, they were preserved only behind the Renaissance altar, covering the entire front of the presbytery. The figures of the three apostles, Jesus Christ, and two angels are the central piece of the altar. There is also an impressive coffered ceiling with Renaissance floral ornaments dating back to 1637 when evangelicals used the church. There are other wooden facilities, i.e., the western platform and the pew for the patron inside the church. The triforium from the 18th century and the organ are preserved as well. And there is much more – the local church proves how interesting history and beautiful work can conceal a small space.
If everything goes according to plan, together with Mr. Hedvigi’s project, in that case, Kyjatice could become an even more attractive place for more visitors.
Text and photo: Miriama Vojteková
