Location
United States
48° 12' 53.0028" N, 18° 37' 11.9208" E
See map: Google Maps
US
The Chapel of St Urban was built in the Classicist style in 1777 and it was restored in 1832. Its maintenance was carried out by the wine territory of Urban (Orbán), which was independent of the town Levice. The chapel was practically like an entrance gate to this territory (the current housing estate Vinohrady). Its location is not accidental, as St Urban is a saint patron of winemakers. A festive service used to be held regularly here on the feast day of this saint (May 25). People prayed here for a good harvest and the blessing of the efforts which they made working in vineyards and fields.
An elm tree, so the called Rákóczi Tree, under which according to the legend Francis II. Rákóczi, Prince of Transylvania rested, grew next to the chapel. He set up his main headquarters in Levice in 1705 for a short time and took part in a military consultation at the Levice Castle. The elm tree and the chapel itself were a popular place for couples in love because the town had a rule according to which public kissing was prohibited in order to preserve morality. Kissing was only allowed as far as the Rákoczi Tree.
The more than 300-year-old elm tree dried up in 1966 after it was had been hit by a lightning and its trunk mouldered. Finally this special tree definitely broke down in 1992.
In 2018 the Levice Beautification Association planted a new elm tree there, which would - similarly to the Rákoczi Tree - one day contribute to the uniqueness of this place.
