Sacral monuments and pilgrimage sites Prašník

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.