Serving as an economic hub for the Novohrad region, Lučenec is a bustling town in south-central Slovakia. It was settled by the Slavs in the 6th century and came under the control of the Ottomans in the 16th century before being captured by the Austrians. Later, Lučenec became part of the Kingdom of Hungary and Czechoslovakia.
Things to do in Lučenec
For insight into the local history, visit the Lučenec City Museum, which occupies the old town hall. Learn about life in Central Europe during the 19th century and see locally crafted textiles and furnishings before admiring the paintings by Lučenec František Gyurkovits. On the ground floor of the museum is a recreated school classroom.
Don’t miss the Novohradske Museum and Gallery, which occupies the former county court in the heart of Lučenec. It exhibits an impressive collection of folk ceramics, enamel and glasswork created in the region, as well as silver coins from Šurice and gold treasures from a church crypt. Also on display are archaeological findings from Radzovce and Fiľakovo.
Recently reconstructed as a cultural hub is the Lučenec Synagogue, which was originally built in the 1920s on a design by the Hungarian Jewish architect Lipot Baumhorn. This elegant Art Nouveau-style building hosts theatrical performances, musical concerts and art exhibitions, as well as permanent displays about the Jewish cultural heritage of Lučenec.
Getting around Lučenec
Lučenec is around an hour’s drive from Banska Bystrica and two hours from Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Bratislava and M. R. Štefanik Airport are 2.5 hours away. Regular trains connect from the Slovakian capital to the Lučenec railway station and the town centre is small enough to explore on foot.