Trip to Sivá Brada

Hi,

Not far from Spiš Castle, there is a small hill. Even from a distance, you can notice that it is somewhat special. No trees grow on it, and there is a chapel at the top. Part of its slope is covered in white rock. This rock is travertine, and today I will write about our trip to the protected area called Sivá Brada.

We had passed Sivá Brada many times but never stopped there. However, it is a unique and interesting place. This summer, I took my children there on a trip. It’s not a zoo or a playground, but kids can have fun almost anywhere if they are properly motivated.

As soon as we got out of the car, we went to look at the geyser. In the past, water would spray out of it at regular intervals. Now, it only springs up, but today it was completely dry.

Sivá Brada is a hill that has been growing continuously for over 10,000 years. It is a living travertine surface that keeps expanding thanks to the mineral water springing from it. Three springs emerge here, and all three are said to have healing properties. In the past, there was a spa in this area. During the drilling and search for water to supply the spa, they encountered a pressurized spring. This led to the creation of a geyser, which reaches a depth of up to 132 meters.

The spa no longer exists, but the water still flows. Over the years, the water has created a travertine hill 25 meters high. The geyser once sprayed water up to 15 meters into the air. That must have been a sight. During one spray, it could push out up to 1,000 liters of water. It’s a shame that now it only springs up.

However, water emerges in several places, which is why you can find travertine mounds on the other side of the hill as well. They are not as large, but you can take some lovely photos of them.

My children are content with even a small pond. They brought toys from home and are testing the water. They stirred up the surface, and the water turned white. Travertine is everywhere.

However, I found out that travertine is very hard to get off pants. It wouldn’t be my kids if, within five minutes of being here, they hadn’t fallen on their bottoms and gotten completely white. Oh well, I didn’t bring spare clothes, so they’ll have to manage.

Thanks to this spring, the protected area is home to several specific plant species that contribute to biodiversity. Some are typical for coastal areas, such as Samolus valerandi. Others are plants that grow only on limestone or travertine substrates, like Carex humilis or Staphylea pinnata.

What I like most about this place is its photogenic nature. The white travertine creates a landscape that looks almost like the moon in some places. It’s amazing.

Streams of highly mineralized water flow down the slope, further expanding this unique place.

At the top of the hill, we can admire the pilgrim chapel of the Holy Cross. It was built in 1675 and perfectly complements this romantic place.

Near Sivá Brada, there is a shepherd’s hut where we went to eat. It is a lovely spot surrounded by forest, and of course, we took advantage of the playground there.

My kids love animals, especially ones they can feed, like the sheep here. They could run around and feed them for half a day. I’m glad they have such a connection to animals, as I also love them very much.

Thank you.