In the Šariš region in the 9th - 12th centuries hermitages operated monks - eremites, who chose safe locations in remote places for their activities. One such centre was near the village of Mirkovce on the top of Malá Zobrana. The peak of Zobran is situated on the western side of the mountains of the mentioned village and another Brestov. Big Zobrana has an altitude of 627 metres and offers a magnificent view of the valley of the Košice basin.
Little Zobrana is slightly lower and has a height of 610 metres. Interestingly, from this point the whole Šariš region was targeted. Until recently it resembled an old stone trigonometric column. At the top of Mala Zobrana there is rarity that we don't come across that often. Approximately in the middle of the peak between the rocks there is an opening into the bowels of the Small Zoboranywhich goes down through the rocks to the stream and comes out in another rock by the stream, which people gave the name "Winter Rock".
The opening between the rocks of the massif was used hermits in case of dangerthat threatened him. They crossed the rock hole and reached the village by the Malka stream. In this way, they could more easily avoid the bandits or even the members of the arpada's retinue that were infiltrating the area. On the summit plateau there are visible terraces, probably the remains of an ancient settlement. It is separated from Veľká Zobrana by a saddle. The local was A wind hole known since time immemorial for extremely strong draughtsthat blew outwards in the winter months. It is so strong that it throws out the leaves that we put in the hole. Even in hot summer, cold air, or draughts, penetrate through the aforementioned hole between the rocks.
Another peculiarity are wintering spotted salamanders, that seek out this place with its humid and warm air. In winter and early spring, dozens or even hundreds of them can be counted here.
At the foot of Mala Zobrana there are several smaller openings with draughts going into the interior of the massif. These are probably suction points to the underground space that emerges at the top through the Wind Hole. In winter, green plants can be seen around it and throughout the summit plateau. Even the snow does not stay here as it does on Veľká Zobrana or in the adjacent saddle.
Getting to the massifs: both mountain massifs can be reached from several sides. The first, the shortest way is from the north side around the former hunting manor in Mirkovce, here you can count on crossing the stream, orchard and thickets to the top. The second option is from Žehne, the route is longer. The third one is probably the most comfortable - over the ford of the Balka brook, then through the meadows to the edge of the forest and from there along the forest path to the saddle between Mala and Velika Zobrana.
Route length : by starting point from 1 200 m
Estimated time : 30 minutes without breaks
Difficulty: suitable for all ages
Photo source:OOCR Region Šariš
