Sacral monuments and pilgrimage sites Považie

Proof of the numerous presence of the Jewish community in the city of Trenčín is a true architectural gem. The beautiful synagogue in Trenčín is an unmissable part of Námestie Ľudovíta Štúra. It is one of the most beautiful and interesting buildings of its kind in Slovakia. It has been part of the city's cultural and historical treasure trove since 1913. The building with Byzantine and Moorish-Oriental elements was built on the site of an old wooden synagogue from the end of the 18th century. Since its current condition does not allow a tour of the interior, we invite you to admire its architecture at least from the outside.

The Jewish sanctuary was built according to the project of a native of Trenčín, the Berlin architect Richard Scheibner. The original building plans are still kept in the State District Archive today. The central hall of the synagogue has a square floor plan and a dominant dome. On three sides, it is surrounded by stepped galleries with barrel vaults. The center connects to a three-nave vestibule, which includes the main entrance to the synagogue. The rectangular extension, which serves as a prayer room, was formerly the chancellor's room.

The main attributes of the sanctuary's architecture are restraint, integrity, and simplicity. Typical historicizing decoration retreats completely in some places. The central space is characterized by simple main arches and abundant natural light provided by large windows. The dome is decorated with oriental ornaments. The front and side western facades consist of twin towers with a gabled front. The entrance is situated on the main front facade. On the side facade, it is replaced by an arcade corridor. A characteristic feature of the building are three small domes covering the towers with staircases.

The ceremonial opening of the synagogue took place in September 1913. The Jewish population used it until World War II, when it was damaged by members of a Nazi organization and the Hlinka Guard. Its interior furnishings were also destroyed. The first repairs began immediately after the war. However, from 1951, the building served as a clothing warehouse. Only the prayer room was preserved. The synagogue enjoyed extensive renovation between 1974 and 1984. The building began serving as an exhibition hall and a venue for organizing concerts. Currently, only an exterior view of the building is possible, which we warmly recommend during your visit to Trenčín.

During a walk past the synagogue, you will certainly notice the very unusual Fontána vodníka Valentína. Take a photo and continue to the impressive Trenčiansky hrad. After touring it, you can take a trip to the unique lesopark Brezina, offering recreation, beautiful views, a children's playground, and many other attractions. Do not forget to set aside time to visit Tarzánia and kúpalisko Trenčín. You can't manage all that in one day? Book accommodation near the synagogue in Trenčíne. On our portal, you will find popular cottages and chalets guaranteeing privacy, as well as comfortable apartments. Do not hesitate and choose from the accommodation offer in Trenčín. The local attractions will be right at your fingertips.

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.

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.