Aggtelek

Aggtelek (meaning "Old plot" in Hungarian) is a village in the county of Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén, Hungary. It is known for the vast stalactite caverns[1] of the nearby Baradla-Domica cave system, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aggtelek and Slovak Karst.

The village of Aggtelek.
Aggtelek
Coat of arms
Aggtelek
Location of Aggtelek
Coordinates: 48.46666°N 20.50165°E / 48.46666; 20.50165
Country Hungary
CountyBorsod-Abaúj-Zemplén
Area
 • Total43.81 km2 (16.92 sq mi)
Population
 (2001)
 • Total628
 • Density14.33/km2 (37.1/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+1 (CET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+2 (CEST)
Postal code
3759
Area code(s)48

Location

Aggtelek is located 50 km (31 mi) northwest of the county seat of Miskolc, near the Slovakian border.

History

Aggtelek is known to have been first identified in 1295, when it was called Ogogteluk. Following the Mongol invasion of Hungary during the 13th century, it remained deserted for many years.

Aggtelek cave entrance

In 1858, a fire destroyed the village. During World War II, the Eastern Front passed close by, causing further damage.

Stalagmite in Baradla cave, Jósvafő.

Aggtelek National Park

The Long Tour of Baradla Cave is a 7-kilometer walking tour along the main section of the stalactite cave; shorter tours are available for unscheduled tourist visits in various parts of the cave system. The entire cave is nearly 24 kilometers long, of which 5.6 kilometers go under Slovakia. The average height of the cave is 8 meters and the average width 10 meters. The cavern called the Giants' Hall is 125 meters long, 55 meters wide and 30 meters high, making the cavern one of the most spectacular tourist attractions in the world - even though it is one of the least known and least visited.

References
  1. Wood, James, ed. (1907). "Agtelek" . The Nuttall Encyclopædia. London and New York: Frederick Warne.
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