The village of Hontianske Nemce is situated in the picturesque valley of river Štiavnica.
It is located in the District of Banská Bystrica, only about 10 km from the town of
Krupina. Surrounded by variety of local mountains (Slovenské stredohorie, Krupinská
planina, Štiavnické vrchy), this village spreads across some 30,8 km2 and has got only
1495 inhabitants.
Good geographical location of this village has been renowned since the Primeval Age.
Numerous archaeological findings including bowls, jars, hair accessories and various
tools were found in the area and they date from the early Bronze Age. Mr. Andrej Kmeť,
the local archaeologist, has found several tombs which are still the matter of research
and attract many young historians and archaeologist.
The earliest written reference of Hontianske Nemce dates from 1246 when the village was
known as "NYMPTY". The village has always had an important transport position and was a
crucial local travel point in the past. There is a very good travel connection (by car or
train) to all nearby towns and villages including Levice, Šahy, Zvolen and Banská
Bystrica.
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Points of interest, remarkables and rarities
Previous generations of local inhabitants were primarily interested in agriculture and
farming. Many of them had their own vineyards and produced local wine. All of these old
traditions and occupations have influenced the present cultural and social life of
the village. A folklore group known as "Chyžišťan" was established several years ago
to keep the old songs and dances still alive. Smaller children and teenagers can get
involved in the children's group known as "Zvonček" or join the local drama group
and perform live at some of village events (e.g. local fete known as "Jurajský jarmok"
which takes place in the village each April or the presentation of the local amateur
theatres which takes place every year in June).
People of Hontianske Nemce are still very much involved in the local religious life and
regularly attend worships and Sunday meetings. There are a few churches and chapels
in the village. The Roman Catholic Church of St. Martin was built in the early 13th
century and the small church of St. Urban and Donát was built in the gothic style in the
mid 15th century. The sacral column known as Mariánsky stĺp is another interesting
feature of this village. It was built in the rococo style in the late 18th century.
There are numerous facilities in the village which are making life easier for the local
population, visitors and tourists. These include:
Post office, Cultural hall and library, Primary school, Kindergarten, Doctor's surgery,
Pharmacy, General stores, Petrol station (owned by Slovnaft Benzinol), Tennis courts,
Numerous footpaths around the village.
There are 30 entrepreneurs and sole traders in the village which keep the village's
business life going. The nearest place where tourists can find a good accommodation
is located in the hotel Transit - Rakovec which is on the way out from the village
of Hontianske Nemce. It is particularly suitable for lorry drivers or those who need
to take a break on the longer journey. Good family accommodation can be provided by
the local holiday cottage which is owned by Mr. Jozef Šnajdera. His holiday cottage
is located only 3 km from the village center and can be found in the heart of the
local vineyards.
Translation: Bendikova