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Fiľakovo

Fülek
Town
Fiľakovo town square
Fiľakovo town square
Flag of Fiľakovo
Flag
Coat of arms of Fiľakovo
Coat of arms
Fiľakovo is located in Banská Bystrica Region
Fiľakovo
Fiľakovo
Location in Banská Bystrica Region
Fiľakovo is located in Slovakia
Fiľakovo
Fiľakovo
Location in Slovakia
Country Slovakia
Region Banská Bystrica
District Lučenec
First mentioned 1242
Area
 • Total 16.18 km2 (6.25 sq mi)
  (2022)
Elevation
190 m (620 ft)
Population
 (2022)
 • Total 9,770
 • Density 603.8/km2 (1,563.9/sq mi)
Postal code
986 01
Area code(s) +421 47
Car plate LC
Website www.filakovo.sk

Fiľakovo is a cool town in south-central Slovakia. It's known for its interesting history and a strong castle. People also call it Fülek in Hungarian. This town is part of the Banská Bystrica Region.

Where is Fiľakovo?

Fiľakovo is nestled in the Cerová vrchovina hills. It sits in the valley of the Belina brook. The town is about 20 kilometers from Salgótarján in Hungary. It's also about 85 kilometers from Banská Bystrica. If you travel further, it's about 150 kilometers from Košice. And it's around 220 kilometers from Bratislava, the capital city.

A Look Back in Time

Fiľakovo Castle's Story

The first time Fiľakovo was written about was in 1242. This was when its famous Fiľakovo Castle bravely stood strong. It survived attacks during the Mongol invasions. The town itself was first called Filek in 1246.

Town's Special Rights

In 1423, Fiľakovo got special rights. This meant it could act more like a proper town. It was an important place for trade and life.

Changes in Control

Over the centuries, Fiľakovo saw many changes. In 1553, the Turks took over the town and its castle. It became a special area called a sanjak under their rule. But in 1593, Imperial troops took it back.

However, the Ottomans captured it again in 1662. Then, in 1682, troops led by Imre Thököly burned the town and castle. Finally, in 1686, the Austrians gained control.

Before 1918, Fiľakovo was part of the Kingdom of Hungary. It was briefly part of Hungary again from 1938 to 1945. This happened because of something called the First Vienna Award. After that, it became part of Czechoslovakia.

Who Lives Here?

In 2001, a survey showed who lived in Fiľakovo. Most people were Hungarians, about 64.40%. Slovaks made up 30.19% of the population. There were also about 4.03% Roma people.

When it came to religion, most people were Roman Catholic. About 77.52% followed this faith. Some people (11.82%) said they didn't have a religion.

Town Friends Around the World

Fiľakovo has "twin towns" or "sister cities." This means they have special friendships with towns in other places. They share culture and ideas.

Fiľakovo is twinned with:

  • Hungary Bátonyterenye, Hungary
  • Hungary Salgótarján, Hungary
  • Hungary Szécsény, Hungary
  • Hungary Szigethalom, Hungary
  • Poland Ustrzyki Dolne, Poland

Famous People from Fiľakovo

Some interesting people have come from Fiľakovo:

  • Sándor Büchler, a rabbi and historian
  • Frank Lowy, a well-known Australian businessman
  • Allan Vilhan, a musician
  • Vica Kerekes, an actress

Gallery

See also

  • List of municipalities and towns in Slovakia
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