Sacral monuments and pilgrimage sites Lošonec

On the border of the municipalities of Dechtice and Naháč, approximately 20 kilometers north of the regional town of Trnava, a historical treasure is hidden in the forests. Kláštor Katarínka or also the Kláštor sv. Kataríny Alexandrijskej once belonged to the Franciscans, who inhabited this area in the 17th century. If you head here and expect a grandiose structure, you are mistaken. Only a ruin of the monastery and a reconstructed tower remain here, where during opening hours you will receive an engaging commentary from guides.

Not even many local residents know this monument. Deeply hidden, the extensive Baroque monastery complex was founded in 1618 on the spot where a Gothic chapel with a cemetery once stood long ago. According to legend, Saint Catherine appeared here to the young count and hermit Ján Apponyi. Malé Karpaty are thus worth visiting not only for hiking, but also for this pilgrimage site.

In the 17th century, you would meet several monks and novices from the Archdiocese of Esztergom here. After numerous attacks, whether they were estate uprisings or Ottoman incursions, the monks managed to repair the destroyed monastery every time. However, based on the decree of Joseph II in 1786, the monastery was abolished and began to fall into disrepair. Today, when you arrive at this place, you will feel a special magical atmosphere and you will find only the ruins that remained here.

An interesting feature of this place is that the tower located here was added to the monastery later. Its height reaches 30 meters, which means approx. 5 floors. The tower served as a bell tower. On its corners were four statues of saints from the Franciscan order. The current state is that you can visit here and enjoy the views from the newly built additional floor. You can see as far as the highest peak of the Carpathians, which is Záruby. In good weather, it is possible to see Trnava.

Getting to the monastery is not very difficult. Even though it does not lie on sought-after tourist trails or main roads, you will certainly reach it on foot. From Naháč it is about 40 minutes, from Dechtice and from Dobrá Voda approximately an hour and twenty minutes. Perhaps the best way is to arrive on the Lesná železnička Katarínka, which also has a stop directly by the monastery. Keep in mind that accommodation near Kláštor Katarínka needs to be booked in advance so that you can enjoy your stay perfectly.

Dechtice are also sought after for the Lesná železnička Katarínka. The ride on it is great. In the surrounding area, you can also check out the Kaštieľ v Chtelnici, which was once visited by Maria Theresa. In the summer season, as a family, you can head to Kúpalisko Dobrá Voda and thus spend pleasant moments of life. If you would rather prefer adrenaline in your blood, you might raise it during a Vyhliadkový let Boleráz. Of course, after this experience, it is good to calm down in a room at guest house Dechtice. In case you are interested in another type of accommodation, choose it from the offer on our portal.

You will find Katedrála sv. Jána Krstiteľa on Univerzitné námestie, in the northwestern part of Trnava. This Early Baroque cathedral church is the largest and most magnificent twin-towered church in Trnava. Did you know that the Early Baroque altar located here is the tallest altar in Slovakia as well as in Central Europe? In 1978, this church received an honor from Pope John Paul II, who elevated it to a cathedral, and in 2003 he also visited it.

The cathedral ranks among the most valuable historical monuments in Trnava and is part of the building complex of the former Trnavská univerzita. At the same time, it is the first Early Baroque sacred building in Slovakia. The origins of the church are linked to the second arrival of the Jesuits in Trnava. The donor of the church, who also financed the construction, was the Palatine of the Kingdom of Hungary, Mikuláš Esterházy. In 1629, he entrusted its construction to the Italian master builders Antonio and Pietro Spazzo.

The consecration of the church took place on August 30, 1637, by Bishop Juraj Lippai. The first Holy Mass in the church was celebrated by the Archbishop of Esztergom, Imrich Lóši. This single-nave, twin-towered church is 61 m long and 28 m wide. The interior is decorated with colorful paintings that will awe many a visitor. Above its main entrance is a pediment with statues of seated angels and a stone coat of arms of the Esterházy family. Beneath this coat of arms, the stone coat of arms of the Trnavská arcidiecéza is also placed.

The jewel of the entire interior is the magnificent all-wooden altar, which was completed in 1640. The altar is as high as 20.3 m and is the work of several carvers, sculptors, and gilders. Its dominant feature is a painting of Jesus Christ, followed by scenes from the life of John the Baptist. Breathtaking as well is the rich decoration with gilded and polychromed ornaments, three altarpieces, and dozens of artistic sculptures. An interesting fact is that hidden beneath the church are crypts where members of the Society of Jesus and four members of the Esterházy family, who fell in battle against the Turks at Vozokany in 1652, rest.

You can visit the cathedral from May 17 until the end of October, every day except Sunday. If the visit to the cathedral captured your heart, visit Dóm sv. Mikuláša as well, which was declared a basilica minor by Pope Benedict XVI on November 9, 2008. Treat your body to fairy-tale rest and relaxation and enjoy an extraordinary day at Aquapark Trnava. Accommodation near Katedrála sv. Jána Krstiteľa can be found on our accommodation Trnava page. You can choose from a wide range of apartments and guesthouses. We wish you a wonderful holiday full of unforgettable experiences.