Sacral monuments and pilgrimage sites Slepčany

The Benediktínsky kláštor monastery represents a magnificent complex of fortified sacral buildings. It is situated in the village of Hronský Beňadik, in the Žarnovica district. The monastery site extends in the valley of the Hron river, on the southern foothills of Pohronský Inovec. Due to its uniqueness, the monastery has been declared a national cultural monument and one of the seven wonders of the Banskobystrický region. Visitors are awed not only by its monumentality, but also by the combination of sacral and defensive structures and the blending of various architectural styles. The premises of the historical building offer the opportunity to visit a rare basilica, a chapel, a reconstructed part of the granary with a historical exhibition, and the monastery tea room.

The Benediktínske opátstvo abbey was solemnly consecrated as early as 1075. The construction of today's building complex was carried out in the mid-14th century. A Gothic church with a triple sanctuary and the monastic part were built. Decades later, a three-aisled nave, two towers, and a Late Gothic entrance portal were added. At that time, the monastery was complemented by the entire southern wing. The year 1483 was significant when the monastery received a rare relic of the blood of Christ from King Matej I. It is said to be a piece of the cloth with which Veronica wiped Jesus' face during the Way of the Cross. In 1508, the so-called abbatial wing was added to the complex, and a monastic garden was built in the middle of the monastery. In subsequent years, the Kaplnka sv. Krvi chapel was completed.

The early 16th century was closely intertwined with Ottoman invasions. Subsequent architectural modifications of the monastery therefore meant its gradual fortification. Ultimately, both the monastery and the church were rebuilt into a Renaissance fortress. Massive walls and cannon bastions suddenly became part of the complex. In the following years, the monastery building was part of a system of fortresses providing protection to central Slovakia. The Turkish raids significantly damaged the rare architecture. As part of the reconstruction, a large granary was built on the site of the collapsed wing.

Currently, the central part of the building system is formed by the so-called paradise courtyard. It is surrounded by monastic buildings and the temple church, which was elevated to the minor basilica of Bazilika minor sv. Benedikta by Pope František in 2019. It represents a magnificent three-aisled structure with a Gothic entrance portal. The facade with a pair of towers dominates the church. On its southern side, the original Late Gothic Kaplnka sv. Krvi chapel from 1489 is still located today. The furnishings of the church are relatively modest today. Three sculptures of the main altar, the relic of the blood of Christ, a Baroque baptismal font, and the crypt of the Koháry family have been preserved from the original equipment. A very rare monument is the organ from 1714.

Inside the monastic buildings, the huge interior of the granary is accessible to visitors. Just one floor of the four-story space has an amazing area of 800 m2. On the ground floor, an exhibition introducing the history of the St. Benedict abbey to the public is situated. A unique space for relaxation and refreshment is the rare monastery tea room. Its tasteful premises offer not only a pleasant sit-down over a cup of herbal tea, but also the opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of the ancient monastery. You can take a tour of the complex individually or with a guide for a symbolic fee.

You can make your journey into the history of this architectural gem of Pohronie more pleasant by a trip to the nearby Starohutský vodopád waterfall or by visiting the interesting interactive information center Energoland located in Kalná nad Hronom. We also recommend relaxation by the nearby Tajch water reservoir and, for horse lovers, a visit to the National Stud Farm in Topoľčianky. And when you find that one day in this region is simply not enough, look for accommodation in the vicinity of the Benediktínske kláštor monastery on our portal. Accommodation in Hronský Beňadik and surrounding areas will certainly not disappoint you with its offer. Alternatively, you can also choose nearby accommodation in Žarnovica. Even in this case, you will not be far from local attractions.

Kalvária Nitra is located on a hill on the bank of the Nitra River in the southern part of the city. It is one of the most prominent landmarks of the city. It is a frequent and popular spot for walks by locals as well as tourists who love coming here to enjoy the views. During major holidays, Christian pilgrimages are organized here.

Originally, a different calvary built in the last third of the 18th century stood on the site of the current one. It had seven stations and was replaced in 1885 (and subsequently consecrated in that same year) by the present calvary, which has fourteen stations. The original Kaplnka sv. Kríža chapel was converted into Kaplnka Božieho hrobu. While in the early years the calvary was outside the urban area, development gradually began to approach it in the 19th century until it surrounded it in the 20th century. At present, the calvary is very clearly visible from the city, and tourists often start out right from the center of Nitra to go and see it. Near the calvary is Lurdská jaskyňa, which also serves as a chapel.

Overall, the calvary consists of twelve Neo-Romanesque chapels depicting twelve stations of the Stations of the Cross. They are arranged along the path leading from Kostol Nanebovzatia Panny Márie to Kaplnka Božieho hrobu. The latter is located at the top of the hill and represents the fourteenth station. In addition to the chapel of the final station, the Crucifixion statuary is also located at the top of the hill.

Since 1765, a small Renaissance monastery has stood at the top, originally built for the Spanish order of the Nazarenes. It gradually became a residence for retired priests and eventually an orphanage. Between 1878 and 1885, it was rebuilt in the Neo-Romanesque style, and in 1925, an additional floor was added until it ultimately became the Mission House of the Mother of God.

Tourists also enjoy taking a trip to the Nitra calvary, mainly due to the great view it offers. The landmarks of Nitra, Šibeničný vrch, Zoborské vrchy, Tribeč, Pohronský Inovec, Vtáčnik, and Štiavnické vrchy are all right in the palm of their hand. That is what you call a perfect panoramic view. Children and seniors can easily handle the walk to the top of the calvary; it is a pleasant stroll along a grassy path.

Come and experience Nitra from a different perspective. Book accommodation near Kalvária Nitra and follow in the footsteps of the Stations of the Cross. The nice and simple craftsmanship of the chapels underlines the power of the story they tell. You can find inspiration for your stay on the page accommodation Nitra. Be sure to also visit other attractions in Nitra. They are truly interesting. Nitriansky hrad, Botanická záhrada Nitra, Nitrianska galéria, Svoradova jaskyňa, Dražovský kostolík, or Chránená krajinná oblasť Ponitrie are just a few of them. Where will you head first?