Tuscany - article

Text and photo by Ján Farský

Eight kilometres from Martin lies Turčianske Jaseno. The village and its surroundings belong to the most picturesque places of Turca. This part of the region is called Turčianske Tuscany by visitors enchanted by the views and the beauty of the landscape.

The village is located in a picturesque backdrop of slopes that protect it from the cold northerners. It was founded in 1974 by the merger of the formerly separate villages of Dolný and Horní Jasen. Originally, both villages consisted of one large family - the Jesen family, which gradually branched out and after a while divided into curiosities.

The origins of the foundation of the curial village of Dolné Jaseno date back to the 13th century. The first record dates back to 1249. Upper Jaseno is slightly younger. In 1274 the territory of the present village was given to the three sons of Mady: Michal, Peter and Štefan, and in 1287-1293 they also received official confirmation of their territory.

Around 1330 a church was built above the village of Horné Jasno in the early Gothic style. It was first used only by the landowners of Horné Jasno, later also by the Lower Jasno inhabitants.

The church of St. Margaret is mentioned in written documents for the first time in 1332. It is dedicated to the early Christian saint, St Margaret, daughter of a Roman nobleman, who was beheaded by her own father during the persecution of Christians by the Roman Emperor Diocletian around 307. She is the patron saint of peasants and mothers.

The medieval fresco decoration is considered to be the most valuable pictorial expression of the church interior. The very oldest paintings are the consecration crosses, which are executed on a thin layer of plaster applied only in the dimension of the cross. Of the supposed twelve, two are currently uncovered in the sanctuary of the church and one in the nave of the church. The oldest figurative manifestation in the interior are the paintings on the first half of the eastern wall of the nave of the church, dating from around 1350. At the end of the 16th century the Protestant church took over the church. At this time all the paintings were covered with lime paint.

The landscape around Turčianske Jasen is truly reminiscent of Tuscany. Especially in the afternoon, when the sun, bending towards the west, illuminates the undulating landscape with poplars and avenues of trees with its slanting rays. The tilled soil changes colours throughout the year and enchants with an ever-changing atmosphere. The early morning mists hovering over this picturesque corner of Turca are also mysterious and magical. Especially beautiful are the Little Fatra peaks illuminated by the morning rays, towering above the region immersed in wisps of fog.

Martinské Hole and the whole ridge of Krivanská Fatra impressively complement the scenery of Turčianska Tuscany.

The village lies on the route of attractive cycling routes, with two lookout towers - above Dolný Jasen and Horní Jasen. But if you want to enjoy the views to the fullest, it is best if you walk here. It is an environment perfect for walking, relaxed hiking or Nordic walking.

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