Liptovský Ján - History
Like a majority of thermal spas, Liptovský Ján village
was inhabited as early as the early-bronze age, which is demonstrated
by archeological findings from a settlement situated between today´s
Poruba village and Liptovský Ján were found at Hrídok / also known as
Veratín /.
In 1230 Hauk Polku, founder of the Svätojánsky family, who hailed from Czech lands, was given a part of the neihboring Uhorská Ves village. His grandson Bohumír became a royal gentleman in 1286. Bohumír´s son Bodo adopted the gentry title ´´de Zent Jan´´, named after the patron saint of the local parish church, St. John the Baptist. The name became not only the family´s but also the villages. The Bohumír Svätojánsky family - later known as Szentiványi - left behind several well preserved mansions and manor houses which combine to create a unique housing area.
In 1230 Hauk Polku, founder of the Svätojánsky family, who hailed from Czech lands, was given a part of the neihboring Uhorská Ves village. His grandson Bohumír became a royal gentleman in 1286. Bohumír´s son Bodo adopted the gentry title ´´de Zent Jan´´, named after the patron saint of the local parish church, St. John the Baptist. The name became not only the family´s but also the villages. The Bohumír Svätojánsky family - later known as Szentiványi - left behind several well preserved mansions and manor houses which combine to create a unique housing area.
Svätý Ján village used to be a mining center. Royal privileges were
given in 1267 to the Svätojánsky family, icluding the rightto mine for
gold in Bocianka creek under Čertovica peak. Gold mines remained near
the peak until the 16th century. Gold, silver, and other metals were
mined in Svätojánska valley as well, which also boasted sulfur and
carbonic springs.
These springs, known by the 14th century, were said to be poisonous and cursed because of their proximity to a local cementery. Legend had it they prevented the dead from decomposing. J. Wernher, who in 1546 wrote A Report on the Strange Waters of the Hungarian Empire, admired the Liptovský Ján ´´sinotrating´´ waters, or stonecreating waters. In 1571 even V. A. Baccius Elpidianus, personal doctor of the Pop Sixtus, described Svätý Ján in De thermis, which was published in Italy.
J. Szentiványi founded an aristocratic school here in 1554 with rectors such as S. Andris, T. Chrisstophorides, M. Clementis, or J. Littvinus. The school closed in 1710. By 1784 the village had 112 houses and 955 inhabitans , mainly ironmakers or servants of the aristocracy.
By the 19th century a spa of local importance treated rheumatism and women´s illnesses. In 1828 the village had 142 houses and 907 inhabitants, half of which traveled else where for work by the second half of the 19th century / some worked as construction workers in Budapest/.
A m ill processed wood here and a factory produced iron nails after 1918., since 1920 the town has been home to an electricity production station. The spa went through extensive construction , during which thr Szentiványi family manor houses were extended, betwen 1927 and 1929. Some of the spa´s facilities were taken over by the Revolutionary Labour Movement´s recreational administration body. The body built Ďumbier health resort adn some other facilities.
In the first half of the 20th century , villageindustry produced hair pins, belt pins, cloth, winter jackets, and willow baskets here. Research performed on the local springs between 1958 and 1980 expanded knowledge of the Liptovský Ján springs. The springs are today known as Kúpeľný spring, Rudolf spring and by other names.
These springs, known by the 14th century, were said to be poisonous and cursed because of their proximity to a local cementery. Legend had it they prevented the dead from decomposing. J. Wernher, who in 1546 wrote A Report on the Strange Waters of the Hungarian Empire, admired the Liptovský Ján ´´sinotrating´´ waters, or stonecreating waters. In 1571 even V. A. Baccius Elpidianus, personal doctor of the Pop Sixtus, described Svätý Ján in De thermis, which was published in Italy.
J. Szentiványi founded an aristocratic school here in 1554 with rectors such as S. Andris, T. Chrisstophorides, M. Clementis, or J. Littvinus. The school closed in 1710. By 1784 the village had 112 houses and 955 inhabitans , mainly ironmakers or servants of the aristocracy.
By the 19th century a spa of local importance treated rheumatism and women´s illnesses. In 1828 the village had 142 houses and 907 inhabitants, half of which traveled else where for work by the second half of the 19th century / some worked as construction workers in Budapest/.
A m ill processed wood here and a factory produced iron nails after 1918., since 1920 the town has been home to an electricity production station. The spa went through extensive construction , during which thr Szentiványi family manor houses were extended, betwen 1927 and 1929. Some of the spa´s facilities were taken over by the Revolutionary Labour Movement´s recreational administration body. The body built Ďumbier health resort adn some other facilities.
In the first half of the 20th century , villageindustry produced hair pins, belt pins, cloth, winter jackets, and willow baskets here. Research performed on the local springs between 1958 and 1980 expanded knowledge of the Liptovský Ján springs. The springs are today known as Kúpeľný spring, Rudolf spring and by other names.