Soľ

Soľ
Village
Town hall in Soľ
Country Slovakia
Region Prešov
District Vranov nad Topľou
Elevation 140 m (459 ft)
Coordinates 48°56′N 21°36′E / 48.933°N 21.600°ECoordinates: 48°56′N 21°36′E / 48.933°N 21.600°E
Area 10.286 km2 (3.97 sq mi)
Population 2,290 (2004-12-31)
Density 223 / km2 (578 / sq mi)
First mentioned 1252
Postal code 094 35
Area code +421-57
Car plate VT
Location of Soľ in Slovakia
Location of Soľ in the Prešov Region
Statistics: MOŠ/MIS
Website: www.obecsol.sk

Soľ is a village and municipality in Vranov nad Topľou District in the Prešov Region of eastern Slovakia. It is one of the oldest villages in eastern Slovakia.

History

The land that is now Sol' was the location of intermittent human settlements ranging from the Stone Age to the foundation of Sol' itself. It was likely settled because of its advantageous position.

The village was first mentioned in 1252. Its name, Sol', which is Slovak for salt, comes from the three salt water springs which are in the vicinity of the village. The salt from the springs was used to salt foods until the beginning of World War I.

In the summer of 1831, the village suffered a cholera outbreak which was followed by a large peasant uprising.

The village had a sizable Jewish community in the 1800s. The Jewish community had its own synagogue and may have had a religious school.

Geography

The municipality lies at an altitude of 140 metres and covers an area of 10.286 km².

Population

The village has a population of about 2,293 people.

Economy and Infrastructure

Transportation

The village has a railroad station in the outskirts, and a bus stop in the center of the village.

Education

There is a school in the village which serves Sol' and some surrounding villages.[1] The school had an enrollment of 521 5-9 graders in the 2005/2006 school year. The school itself contains two buildings; an older building built in 1957, and a newer addition built in 1975.

There is also a kindergarten with 65 students (2005/2006 school year).

Politics

Joseph Berta has served as mayor of Sol' since 1994.

Notable Residents

Jakub Jakobeus

Jakob Jakobeus, a famous Slovak poet, historian, writer, and Protestant priest, lived in Sol' from 1626 to 1629.[2] He served as pastor of the village during his stay and he wrote a collection of Latin poetry.

References

See also