Holiday apartment in Hajtovka – Nature and history on the Poprad

A prominent attraction near Hajtovka is the protected Skalná ihla natural monument in the floodplain of the Poprad River. It lies about 1.5 kilometres southwest of the village. Hajtovka is situated above the Poprad’s left bank, while the predominantly hilly terrain rises northwards from the riverbed: elevations range from 490 to 744 metres above sea level.

Nature

Skalná ihla, located near Hajtovka and also known as Čertova skala, is an isolated Jurassic klippe relief more than 10 metres high. Erosion caused by the Poprad River is visible on the rock formation. From Hajtovka, the natural monument can be reached via farm tracks. East of the village are the Koteličné skaly, which are characterised by limestone formations. The nearby Opálená skala, which belongs to the Pieniny Klippen Belt, is also located in the area.

The natural monuments and rock formations have different relationships with the landscape: Skalná ihla stands in the floodplain, and its isolated Jurassic klippe relief indicates the effect of the Poprad. The Koteličné skaly lie east of Hajtovka and are characterised by limestone, while the nearby Opálená skala is assigned to the Pieniny Klippen Belt. Together with the hilly rise northwards from the riverbed, this results in a clearly structured topographical description of the village.

An unnamed stream flows through Hajtovka and forms the village’s main settlement axis. The weather conditions are also connected with the geographical location, altitude and proximity to the High Tatras. As a result, sudden changes in weather may occur.

History

The oldest written mention of Hajtovka dates from 1427. At that time, the village was referred to as Ayathuagasa. Hajtovka was founded in the second half of the 14th century on the basis of pre-emption rights. Historically, the village belonged to the Plaveč estate.

Hajtovka’s history also includes social and economic developments. In 1456, residents of the village took part in an uprising against feudal burdens. In the past, a commercial waterway ran near Hajtovka, connecting Slovak communities and towns with Poland. Historically, the residents made their living from agriculture and fishing and were known in the surrounding area as fishermen.

The historical development has also been handed down in several layers. The founding in the second half of the 14th century was followed by the first written mention under the name Ayathuagasa in 1427. Belonging to the Plaveč estate, the uprising of 1456 and the former commercial waterway to Poland add to the political and economic history. Agriculture and fishing describe the historical livelihoods of the village, while the designation of its residents as fishermen forms part of this recorded context.

Church

The local architectural history includes the Church of the Nativity of the Most Holy Mother of God. It was built in 1872 and follows the traditional East Slovak Baroque-Classicist style of church architecture. Its interior furnishings date from the time the church was built. The church is in good condition and is used for its religious purpose.

Other village pages

Other village pages: Plavnica, Mníšek Nad Popradom, Maly Lipnik, Šambron, Nová Ľubovňa, Lesnica, Kamienka, Vysne Ruzbachy.

To the higher-level travel overview: Stará Ľubovňa.