Holiday apartment in Bystré: culture and mineral springs on the Topľa

Bystré lies in the valley of the Topľa, where the Podslanská and Pozdišovská uplands transition into the Low Beskids. Landscape, waterways, sacred art and Eastern Slovak traditions come together here in one place. In addition to the Topľa, the area’s defining waterways include the Hermanovský potok and the Šľachtinský potok.

Landscape

Below Poloma, a mountain peak in the vicinity of Bystré, the Ščevica mineral spring rises on the left bank of the Topľa. There are two outlets of this mineral spring along the Topľa. Other mountain features in the surrounding area include Barvienky, a mountain, as well as Stredná hora and Lehotkov, both classified as mountain peaks in the vicinity of Bystré.

Culture and history

The church in Bystré is believed to have been built in the second half of the 14th century with the involvement of the Soósovcov landowning family from Solivar. Inside is the main altar of the Coronation of the Virgin Mary, a polychrome and gilded Late Gothic wood carving from the end of the 15th century.

The history of watermills is also part of the local landscape. Watermills are mentioned in Bystré in the second half of the 16th century; there were probably two mills. Of the five former watermills, the buildings of three have survived, none of which is still in operation today. The new cemetery in the upper part of Bystré, near the so-called Onufrovho mlyna, still exists. The old cemetery in the lower part of the village disappeared over time.

Another historical trace is the synagogue in Bystré. It was built at the beginning of the 19th century and is already mentioned in an 1833 schematism. The building is partly dilapidated and no longer serves its original purpose.

Traditions and activities

For many years, the Bystrančan folklore ensemble has preserved and promoted the dance, singing and musical traditions of the Šariš and Zemplín cultural regions in Eastern Slovakia. Its approximately 90-minute programme includes folk songs, fast whirling csárdás dances, slow partner dances, recruit dances, girls’ circle dances and polkas. The programme can be adapted to specific conditions.

The sports- and tourism-oriented Dreveňák complex includes a roadside restaurant, asphalt courts and football pitches, tennis courts, the large Rodinka children’s playground and two large pavilions. The two Ščevica mineral springs in the Dreveňák complex, with shelters, can be reached via an iron suspension bridge over the Topľa. This bridge is part of the cycling network of the Prešov Self-Governing Region.

Castle ruins in the wider area

Several castle ruins are located in the wider region around Bystré. Kysacký hrad is classified there as a castle ruin. The ruins of Šariš Castle and Jasenov Castle are also located in this wider regional area, and both have been preserved as castle ruins.

Discover more places

For further destination options, you can choose Nova Kelca, Kvakovce, Holcíkovce, Vranov Nad Topľou and Slovenská Kajňa.

To the main travel overview: Vranov Nad Topľou District.