Sacral monuments and pilgrimage sites Malé Karpaty

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.

Bazilika Panny Márie in Šaštín is one of the most important basilicas in Slovakia. It is located in the municipality of Šaštín – Stráže, which falls under the Senica district. Its construction began back in 1736, and the statue of the Virgin Mary itself was declared miraculous, which was also confirmed by a decree from the Vatican. This holy place is visited by several tens of thousands of pilgrims every year. It was also honored by a visit from Pope John Paul II himself and Mother Teresa.

This significant and magnificent place is also popular among tourists themselves. In addition to the basilica, the monument complex is formed by the former Pauline monastery, farm buildings, chapels, and the Pieta sculpture group. You can spend a pleasant family walk here. An interesting fact is that the entire construction of the basilica was initially financed by donations from common people and substantial contributions from Empress Maria Theresa. The entire church is decorated with beautiful and rare frescoes. The basilica went through many ups and downs during its existence. During World War I, for example, all the bells except the smallest one were stolen from its towers. In 1927, Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows was declared the patron saint of Slovakia, and this place thus won the hearts of additional admirers.

In addition to two traditional pilgrimages, which are the National Pilgrimage – the Feast of Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows and the Whitsun Pilgrimage, various thematic pilgrimages are also beginning to emerge. These appeal to the general public and somehow try to reflect the times we live in. These include, for example, the Pilgrimage of Lovers, which is organized around Saint Valentine's Day. Furthermore, there is also the Pilgrimage of Expectant Mothers, which is always celebrated on Mother's Day. The Pilgrimage of Broken Hearts, the Bikers' Pilgrimage, and many others have also seen the light of day.

When you are already in the region of Biele Karpaty, it is definitely worth staying for a few days and exploring this lovely countryside. Cozy accommodation can also be found in the vicinity of Bazilika Panny Márie in Šaštín. Whether you choose a cottage, an apartment, or a guesthouse in Šaštín – Stráže, you will certainly not regret it. During the summer season, the whole family will enjoy refreshment at Prírodné kúpalisko Gazárka followed by horseback riding at Magic ranch Čáry. Children will surely love running along Náučný chodník Gazárka – Lásek, where they can also learn a thing or two. Pleasant relaxation at Kúpele Smrdáky can be reached after roughly a 20-minute drive by car.

The pilgrimage site Lurdská jaskyňa Marianka is located in the eponymous village of Marianka, near the town of Stupava, just 10 kilometers from Bratislava. This peaceful place in Záhorie is part of the pilgrimages in Marianske údolie. Christians from all over the world bring their gratitude and prayer here to the Virgin Mary.

Lourdes caves are built by Christians in honor of the apparition of the Virgin Mary. In 1858, the Virgin Mary appeared to a young girl, Bernadette, in the French town of Lourdes. Since then, smaller and larger caves have been built with a statue of the Virgin Mary and a small girl kneeling at her feet. This imitation of the apparition also enjoys popularity in Slovakia, where there are several dozen Lourdes caves.

Lurdská jaskyňa in Marianka is among the favorite places where Christians can express their respect and humility. Originally, this cave was built at the entrance to the church of Bazilika Marianka in 1906. Later, in 1914, it was relocated to the forested part below the slope of the valley. The parishioner Adolf Slovák played the main role in its construction.

Lurdská jaskyňa serves as a place of worship, which is why the parish of Narodenie Panny Márie in Marianka considered rebuilding this space for a longer time so that it would also be suitable for celebrating holy masses. The idea came from architect Ivan Jarina, who proposed the reconstruction. Access stairs to the cave were constructed. A concrete wall was built here, where all the votive/thanksgiving plaques were placed, and a section was prepared for additional ones to come.

Benches were placed around the cave so that people could rest and pray. They also installed a new statue of the Virgin Mary, because the previous one was destroyed by vandals. The site was consecrated at the Feast of the Holy Trinity by the archbishop in 2018.

Marianka as a pilgrimage location offers other interesting places you can visit in addition to Lurdská jaskyňa. One of them is Křížová cesta (the Stations of the Cross). Life-size statues built in 14 chapels remind us of the Passion of Jesus Christ. Kaplnky siedmich radostí Panny Márie or Kaplnka Svätej Studne are also popular.

Marianka is undoubtedly one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Slovakia. Set out for prayer at this place yourself, or go see other sights in southern Slovakia. We offer you accommodation near Lurdská jaskyňa Marianka or accommodation in Záhorie on our website. Whether you are looking for a peaceful guesthouse or a comfortable apartment, you will surely find your choice with us.

Bratislavská Kalvária was one of the first significant calvaries not only in Slovakia, but also in the Kingdom of Hungary at the time. You can find it in the district of Staré Mesto, on Kalvársky vrch in Bratislava. It was built in memory of the battle against the Turks near Vienna in 1683. According to most lexicons that refer to the Bible, a calvary is understood as a place or hill where Jesus Christ was crucified in Jerusalem. It is also associated with the depiction of the Way of the Cross with 14 stations.

The establishment of the Kalvária dates back to 1694. Its construction was initiated by the Jesuits, members of the Society of Jesus. It was completed in the 1920s and thus became a dominant landmark of Prešporek at the time. A sad fact is that with the onset of the communist regime in the 1950s, it underwent targeted destruction and devastation. Instead of stations with crosses, you will only find pictures with liturgical texts nailed to trees. The Kalvária has been operating in a provisional mode for many years, but it is gradually being restored. In 2020, the reconstruction of the only preserved chapel began, and the restoration plan also mentions the reconstruction of the stairs.

The first station was located at the site of today's SAV public transport stop, near the church of Cyril and Methodius. Did you know that the Kalvária became a refuge in 1713 for the people of Bratislava who survived a plague wave there? A part of the original path has been preserved to this day and is gradually being revitalized, also thanks to the OZ Bratislavská Kalvária. Kalvársky vrch continues to serve as a place of prayer and occasional Stations of the Cross. Not far from Bratislavská Kalvária stands the Kostol Panny Márie Snežnej and a Lourdes cave with a marble statue of the Virgin Mary.

After a romantic walk along the Kalvária, head to the center of Bratislava and experience plenty of fun discovering great attractions with which our capital is practically packed. Take a stroll through Staré Mesto and take a nice photo with the statue of Čumil and Schöne Náci. Walk through Michalská brána and take a look at Dóm sv. Martina, which belongs to the oldest Gothic sacred buildings in Slovakia. A visit to the Zoologická záhrada Bratislava and the botanical garden will also be a pleasant experience. Do not spend a lot of money on expensive accommodation; in our accommodation offer in Staré Mesto Bratislava, you will also find affordable options. Act quickly and book accommodation around Bratislavská Kalvária today. Our capital will surely win you over, and you will return home rested and full of unforgettable experiences.

In the small village of Ducové, approximately 4 km from the town of Piešťany, once stood a fortified hillfort of a Great Moravian nobleman dating back to the 9th century. Kostolec - Veľkomoravský dvorec is an important archaeological site where you can learn more about the history of our nation. At the same time, it is also listed among national cultural monuments.

Near ancient important routes, the location as such became sought after by people as early as prehistoric times. Traces of settlement can be observed to this day, thanks to several remaining traces. Currently, Kostolec - veľkomoravské hradisko is situated on a rocky promontory in Považský Inovec. Although no longer fully intact, the remnants of the court dating back to the 9th century and the preserved foundations of a rotunda-shaped church will enchant you upon visiting this place. The palisade fence, which has been reconstructed, will also catch your attention, thus offering an authentic period atmosphere.

The remains of the small church that you can notice when visiting this place were re-consecrated on the Feast of Saints Cyril and Methodius in 1990. Since then, Holy Masses have been held here annually on this holiday to honor the arrival of these Slavic apostles. Plan a trip to this history-shrouded place and spend wonderful time here. It might also be a good idea to book accommodation near Kostolec - Veľkomoravský dvorec.

Information panels right at the site will draw you into the history of Kostolec thanks to interesting and engaging texts. The ascent to this site is possible in several ways. If you set off directly from the village of Ducové, you can follow a marked cycling route or an educational trail. Count on it taking roughly 10 minutes of your time.

The village of Ducové is sought after not only by people who are passionate about history. In the summer season, you can plan interesting trips from your accommodation in Ducové. Swimming is great at the Horná Streda lake, where boating, swimming, or lounging is possible. Together with children, you can view many animals at ZOO farma New Zealand. In case you are a couple and just wish to relax, book an apartment in Ducové. You will find all budget-friendly accommodation options on our portal.