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The village of Markusovce arose in the 12th century as a border guard for the Spis region of Slovakia and later became the seat of the noble family of Mariassy. The town’s first mention was in 1289, making it one of the oldest villages in the Spis region of Slovakia. In Markusovce, you can find the ruins of the old Markusovsky Castle, two other ancient homes built by the Mariassy family, the Gothic Church of St. Michal, and an odd geological structure known as the Stone Mushroom.
Markusovsky Castle was built on the hilltop above the village in 1248. In 1527, during battles for the Hungarian throne between Jan Zapolsky and Ferdinand Hapsburg, citizens of Levoca attacked and destroyed the castle. In the 16th century, when the Mariassy family reestablished its position of power in Markusovce, Paul Mariassy reconstructed Markusovsky Castle, giving it its present Renaissance-style appearance. A school was established there in 1567, and it existed until 1673. After a fire gutted it in 1773, the Mariassy family abandoned the castle and it fell into ruin.
The Mariassy family moved into their newly built, Renaissance-style manor house in 1643. It is a typical manor house, with a square layout and four round corner towers. It was refurbished in the Rococo style between 1770 and 1775. For the restoration, J. Feik from Kezmarok constructed the front entry portal, and J. Mraz from Levoca provided masonry work. The latest restoration of the mansion occurred between 1984 and 1994. Since then, a valuable collection of historical furniture is on display within the manor house.
A French-style park surrounds the manor house. Dardanely, the imposing summer resort, exists on last terrace of the park. It was built between 1777 and 1778 for an anticipated visit of Austro-Hungarian Emperor Franz Josef I. However, he never came. Stucco garlands, fruit-filled baskets, and musical instruments adorn the façade of Dardanely. An escutcheon bearing the Mariassy coat of arms completes it. Inside, paintings depicting scenes from Greco-Roman mythology adorn the main hall. A museum was founded at Dardanely in 1959, where an exposition of keyboard musical instruments is on display.
The Church of St. Michal the Archangel drew Roman Catholic parishioners from Markusovce and many surrounding villages. It was built near Markusovsky Castle in the 13th century. Ornate religious artwork and the valuable red marble tombs of the Mariassy family from the 16th and 17th centuries exist in the interior of this Gothic structure.
Another peculiar site in Markusovce is the unique rock formation known as the Stone Mushroom. It exists below the village on the left bank of the Hornad River, which runs through Markusovce. The Stone Mushroom is about eight meters high.
In the past, Markusovce was known as Markusfalu, Markusfalva, Markus-Csepanfalu, or Markus-Csepanfalva. It is very near and closely related to the town of Cepanovce, formerly known as Csepanfalu or Csepanfalva.
Nearby towns include Odorin, Cepanovce, Huta, Porac, Zavadka, Danusovce, Matejovce, Lieskovany, Rudnany, Teplicka and Kosmaric.
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Below are links to images of and related to Markusovce, Slovakia. Rest your pointer on the link for the caption. Please contact me if you have any additional images of or related to Markusovce.
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John Yagersky

2000 AD