Soľ


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, which 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.

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. 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.

Politics

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

Notable residents