On the outskirts of the village of Štrba, near the dirt road leading to Važec, there are the remains of an extinct medieval settlement called Šoldov. The settlement is shrouded in mystery, as there is almost no mention of it in the sources. It is believed that it was very old, older than all the surrounding villages under the Tatras. In addition to the usual country houses, the settlement was church, maybe even Benedictine monastery.
In the 15th century the Brethren settled herewho built a fortress here and then used it for robbery expeditions to the surrounding area. Probably in connection with the Brothers' wars, the settlement was forcibly destroyed in the 15th century.
The Šoldov site represents an important archaeological site. In addition to a number of valuable historical artefacts were found here, for example skeletons of people over 200 cm tall. It was an astonishing height for that time. Perhaps thanks to this, the rumor spread in the vicinity of Šoldov that it was once the giants lived.
The extinct settlement of Šoldov is an interesting tourist stop. In addition to the reconstructed foundations of the church, along the entire northern side of the church there is stone wallwhich the people of Šoldov built to protect the church from snow and water. In the locality there is memorial, information board and small sitting area. Just around the settlement runs cycle path route, the motorway passes nearby.
In August 2019, a new cloud formed over Šoldov a network of new asphalt cycle paths near Štrba with connection to Tatranská Štrba. At the same time, it also creates a circuit for lovers of running or walking, as well as for ordinary walks for families with children, as this network of purpose-built paths is also accessible directly from the village of Štrba - from Krôn Street.
Source:OOCR Región Vysoké Tatry
Title photo: village Štrba
