#RuralHouses

An inspiring collaboration between Slovakia’s Trnava Self-Governing Region, Hungary’s Kemence Association, and the municipality of Orechová Potôň embarks on a mission to preserve three historically and culturally relevant rural buildings for the 21st century. The project aims to create community spaces celebrating shared heritage, fostering local cohesion, and supporting sustainable tourism in the areas of Komárom, Orechová Potôň, and Horné Saliby. In Komárom (Szőny), the over 100-year-old Furnace House, the only remaining local farmhouse with a porch, will undergo extensive renovations. The building with its idyllic area is a centre for the reintegration of marginalised groups and a venue for community events, contributing to the preservation of the traditional rural way of life, to the customs associated with it. Its modernized facilities, including a replica of a traditional summer kitchen, will be instrumental in preserving rural traditions while supporting the operational needs of the Kemence Association, an organization that employs 27 individuals, including 11 with disabilities.

Orechová Potôň’s municipality is reviving its last rural farmhouse, dating back to 1934, which has been used only as a storage area. The renovated farmhouse will become a living museum, offering visitors an immersive experience of rural life a century ago via an interactive exhibition utilising the locals’ stories and historical equipment. Alongside, an adjacent granary will be renovated and used as a showroom with traditional tools. Trnava Self-Governing Region will lead the reconstruction of the Esterházy Mansion in Horné Saliby, revitalizing it as a center for cultural and educational activities featuring a rare book- and an ethnographic collection. Once completed, the mansion will become a key venue for events, exhibitions, and museum education, connecting the community with its historical roots. The joint effort will breathe new life into the historical treasures of the border region, strengthening the cultural identity and social ties of local residents. By showcasing shared heritage and promoting sustainable tourism, the project contributes to local economic development and reinforces cross-border cooperation. The initiative will highlight the importance of preserving tangible and intangible heritage for future generations.