{"id":52254,"date":"2025-09-10T15:06:43","date_gmt":"2025-09-10T13:06:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zahoramizadolami.sk\/the-unassuming-town-of-divin-and-its-surroundings\/"},"modified":"2026-08-05T10:34:09","modified_gmt":"2026-08-05T08:34:09","slug":"the-unassuming-town-of-divin-and-its-surroundings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zahoramizadolami.sk\/en\/the-unassuming-town-of-divin-and-its-surroundings\/","title":{"rendered":"The Unassuming Town of Div\u00edn and Its Surroundings"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” z_index=””][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1757508763267{padding-bottom: 16px !important;}” el_class=”title-custom-font”]<\/p>\n

There are days when we want to <\/span>explore new places, but without the big crowds.<\/span><\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1757511938262{padding-bottom: 16px !important;}” el_class=”title-custom-font”]There are days when we want to explore new places, but without the big crowds, monumental buildings, or huge \u201cwow\u201d factors. Just to show up, take a look around, and watch the locals go about their daily lives for a while. That Thursday, we decided on a long-postponed trip to Div\u00edn, on the border between Podpo\u013eanie and Novohrad. The four main destinations were clear and more than enough for a full-day trip\u2014one our boys didn\u2019t even find out about until they woke up that morning and wanted to spend an hour or so watching TV. But plans change, and we decided to set out \u201con the fly\u201d instead. <\/strong>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][vc_column_text css=””]Where:<\/strong> Div\u00edn
\nCounty:<\/strong> Lu\u010denec
\nTime\/Duration:<\/strong> Set aside the whole day.[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”24″][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Stop No. 1 – Div\u00edn Castle<\/h3>\n

Div\u00edn Castle is clearly visible as soon as you arrive in the village, and it\u2019s a very easy 10-minute walk to get there (almost entirely on paved roads up a gentle hill). The castle is likely undergoing \u201crestoration\u201d work, and once a year it hosts the Balassa Castle Festival. <\/span><\/p>\n

This Gothic castle from the late 13th century played a significant role, particularly in the second half of the 16th century, in defending towns against the Turks. Later, it became infamous due to its owner, Imrich Balassa, who raided the surrounding villages. After his death, the castle was conquered by imperial troops and blown up. <\/span><\/p>\n

Right at the castle, you’ll discover a torture chamber, a banquet hall, and a stunning view of the nearby Ru\u017ein\u00e1 Reservoir. Another point of interest is the castle cave. <\/span> [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”24″][vc_single_image image=”49156″ img_size=”full” css=”” qode_css_animation=””][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Div\u00edn Castle<\/p>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”24″][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Stop No. 2 – Zichy Manor House below the castle<\/h3>\n

Right below the castle and in the very center of Div\u00edn, the monumental structure of the Renaissance manor house immediately catches your eye. The aforementioned bandit Imrich Balassa was likely responsible for its construction on the site of a medieval manor house. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u0160tefan I. Zichy then purchased it for 53,000 gold coins, and thus began the history of the Zichy family in Div\u00edn. Several generations lived there. The last member of the Zichy family was \u0160tefan VI Zichy, who was expelled from Div\u00edn to Hungary in 1945, where he died in very poor conditions. <\/span><\/p>\n

Following its renovation, completed in 2015, the manor house now houses the Museum of the History of the Village of Div\u00edn, the Balassa and Zichy Families, and Div\u00edn Castle (the tour lasts 1 hour). Cultural and social events are held in the renovated courtyard. <\/span> [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”24″][vc_single_image image=”49145″ img_size=”full” css=”” qode_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space height=”24″][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Stop No. 3 – Bloom Div\u00edn Gallery<\/h3>\n

After two \u201cmust-do\u201d trips to Div\u00edn, we stopped at the local Bloom Gallery. Unassuming from the outside, but with a generously sized interior space for exploring contemporary art, it introduces you to the beauty and diversity of painting. This is achieved through the current exhibition, as well as works from previous installations, and, of course, the gallery owner\u2019s own distinctive style. <\/span><\/p>\n

Mari\u00e1n Komp\u00e1nek, a charming gallery owner and painter with extensive business experience (it is precisely in this field that I know him), will leave you to immerse yourself in the scenes and emotions hidden within the paintings on display. If you\u2019d like, he\u2019ll guide you through the exhibition and offer a few words on how best to understand and appreciate the art and expression of contemporary artists. <\/span><\/p>\n

And bring your kids along, too\u2014after all, how else will the world of art win them over if not by having them mimic their parents\u2019 behavior and perceptions? They\u2019re sure to find a painting that they\u2019ll \u201cjust\u201d like. <\/span><\/p>\n

Quick tip:<\/span><\/b> If you enjoy religious architecture, take a look inside the Baroque All Saints Church in the center of the village, and don\u2019t miss the sundial on the rectory building (right behind the church)\u2014the oldest sundial in Novohrad.<\/span> [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”24″][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

Stop No. 4 – Ru\u017ein\u00e1 Reservoir<\/h3>\n

As the locals advised us, it\u2019s better to see Ru\u017eina from the Ru\u017eina side rather than from the village of Div\u00edn\u2014because it\u2019s better maintained there now. So we took their advice, and after a bit of wandering around the Momoland recreation area (perfect for modern weddings), we also found the Kotva beach resort. <\/span><\/p>\n

For two hours, we enjoyed the sandy-gravel beach with lounge chairs, and the boys even went for a swim. We were surprised by the option of comfortable accommodations in modern mobile homes and glamping tents right on the shore of Ru\u017ein\u00e1, as well as the barbecue taking place at the restaurant. Next time, we\u2019ll rent a \u201cpelican\u201d\u2014that is, a pedal boat\u2014and explore the more distant waters of the reservoir. <\/span> [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][vc_single_image image=”49148″ img_size=”full” css=”” qode_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

10-year-old Matej’s take on the whole trip:<\/h3>\n

“As soon as I woke up\u2014I hadn’t even had time to open my eyes\u2014my mom and brother were already herding me into the car. She explained that we were going on a trip to the village of Div\u00edn, located in southern Slovakia. I quickly got dressed, brushed my teeth, and ate breakfast. I\u2019m usually still in my pajamas until half past eleven, but to make the most of the trip, we had to leave at nine o\u2019clock sharp. The drive took about forty minutes. <\/span><\/p>\n

When we finally got there, we couldn’t help but notice the large castle ruins towering above our heads. That was our first destination. We went to find out how to get to the castle. The lady at the manor house then explained the way to us. After a few minutes\u2019 climb, we finally made it to the castle. Admission was \u20ac2 for me and my brother, and \u20ac4 for Mom. We looked around as best we could, but then we had to head back down so we wouldn\u2019t miss the tour of the manor house. We arrived there right on time. <\/span><\/p>\n

At the castle, we learned a bit about its history. It was a very fulfilling experience. My brother likes to draw and paint, so we couldn’t pass up a visit to the Bloom Gallery. You’ll find a lot of modern art there that will surprise you. <\/span><\/p>\n

After a while, we started to feel hungry. We had lunch at a restaurant across from the Bloom Gallery. After a nice lunch, we headed to the last stop on our itinerary. We went swimming at the Ru\u017ein\u00e1 Reservoir. But not from the Div\u00edn side\u2014we went from the Ru\u017ein\u00e1 side to the Kotva recreation area, where we swam and relaxed a bit. Admission was \u20ac2 per person, and you can rent various lounge chairs and pedal boats there. <\/span><\/p>\n

“It was a wonderful day in a wonderful village. I’ll definitely be back!” <\/span> [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][vc_single_image image=”49151″ img_size=”full” css=”” qode_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space height=”24px”][vc_column_text css=””]And here’s a very quick and concise comment from 14-year-old Jakub:<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

“The castle offered a great view of the village and the surrounding area. I don’t remember much about the tour, but the items in the display cases really stood out. The room with minerals and beetles looked stunning. The Bloom Gallery was also nice. There was art in a variety of styles.”<\/span><\/p>\n

To wrap things up, here\u2019s a simple observation from a friendly waitress at a restaurant in the center of Div\u00edn: \u201cIt\u2019s really nice and cozy here, isn\u2019t it?\u201d It certainly is\u2014go check it out for yourself, even if it\u2019s just for a whole day. <\/span> [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”56px”][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”49151,49148,49145,49156″ img_size=”400×400″ css=”” column_number=”4″ grayscale=”no” images_space=”gallery_with_space”][vc_empty_space height=”56px”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”83″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” qode_css_animation=”” el_class=”my-divider”][vc_empty_space height=”56px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1651580906030{padding-bottom: 16px !important;}” el_class=”title-custom-font”]<\/p>\n

Latest Posts<\/h2>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”56px”]\n

\n