Sacral monuments and pilgrimage sites Stará Bystrica

In Oščadnica, below the massif of Veľká Rača, lies one of those magical corners of our country. Kaplnka u Haladeji reigns here over small wooden cottages that look as if they were taken straight out of a Slovak folk fairytale. The charming sacral building surrounded by greenery invites you for a pleasant walk in the fresh air. It is situated in the Kysuce region, in the village of Oščadnica, above the Laliky part.

Kaplnka na Haladeji stands on the site of an original chapel built in 1961. The bell, which was hanging here at that time only on a wooden structure, bore the inscription "Saint Cyril and Methodius pray for us". It is probably also for this reason that the current sacral building was dedicated precisely to St. Cyril and Methodius. It was built in 2015, when the original chapel was demolished due to structural issues. The current chapel is tiny, which, however, does not diminish its appeal. The beautiful stone and wood structure is decorated with wooden frescoes and paintings. The interior naturally features an altar.

A path leads up a gentle slope to the chapel, tailor-made for a pleasant walk. It is lined on both sides by beautiful wooden cottages whose architecture literally breathes history. Upon arriving at the chapel, visitors are greeted by wooden benches. Here you can sit down, rest, dedicate time to quiet prayer, or take a deep breath and let your soul find peace. An evening walk to this wonderful place is undoubtedly a unique experience. In the dark, the chapel is beautifully illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere for a pleasant evening.

Whether you come to Oščadnica for excellent skiing or mountain hiking, be sure to make time for a walk to the tiny chapel on the hill. And if the nature of Kysuce charms you, you can take a trip to Rozhľadňa Dedovka, which will reward you with a gorgeous view of the entire surroundings. Or are you in the mood for a pleasant dose of adrenaline? Take your mountain bike with you and visit Bike Park Veľká Rača, where tracks of various difficulty levels are prepared for visitors. The bike park is part of the Snow Paradise Veľká Rača – Oščadnica resort, which you have certainly heard of. It ranks among our most famous ski resorts and enjoys great popularity among winter sports enthusiasts.

Whether you decide to visit Oščadnica in summer or prefer a winter holiday in this region, book accommodation near Kaplnka u Haladeji through our portal. Accommodation in Veľká Rača represents a truly varied offer of cottages and chalets providing comfort and privacy surrounded by nature.

Kalvária v Oščadnici is a sought-after pilgrimage site in the Kysuce region. The work of the Oščadnica believers was built out of gratitude for protection during the battles of World War II in Veľká Rača. The forest environment in which the calvary lies will surely charm you. The monument is a traditional location for the Kysuce Pilgrimage to Kalvária, which takes place on the occasion of the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Head out to Oščadnica on this festive day as well and experience traditional Oščadnica feast days (hody) with a 200-year-old tradition.

Not only hard-working residents participated in the construction of the Stations of the Cross depictions and the entire calvary, but also master mason Rudolf Štens and folk craftsman Jozef Pazdera, who is the author of a sculpture at one of the stations. Kostol nad Kalváriou church will not remain unnoticed either, with devoted believers also standing behind its construction. Oščadnica residents living across the big pond in the USA contributed to its construction, as well as to the construction of the calvary. Both monuments were consecrated in 1948.

The calvary, set in a magical environment on a low hill, is an ideal place for an easy walk. You can walk along the built path in less than half an hour. At the beginning, by the stream, a well-kept park with a children's playground will welcome you. Some of the Stations of the Cross come from the Temple Cooperative (Chrámové družstvo) in Pelhřimov, where they were made. In the past, these stations were restored or repainted several times. In the evening hours, the exceptional atmosphere is complemented by the lighting of the crosses and the small church at the top of the calvary, which stand out from the magical grove. The calvary includes Kaplnka sv. Jozefa chapel, Getsemanská záhrada (Garden of Gethsemane), as well as the Scourging of Christ sculptural group.

The dominant building, the only one of its kind in Kysuce, is a place for relaxation of the mind and soul. The Kysucká cyklomagistrála cycle route and the Oščadnická zelená cesta greenway with five relaxation zones, which serve as information stops, lead around the calvary. The charming calvary can be a great refuge after an actively spent day at Športcentrum Oščadnica or Snow Paradise Veľká Rača – Oščadnica. In addition to Kalvária v Oščadnici, lovers of monuments like to visit Kysucká galéria art gallery or Kaplnka u Haladeji chapel.

Does visiting these interesting places in Kysuce tempt you? Book accommodation near Kalvária Oščadnica. Just decide whether a stylish guesthouse, a traditional cottage, or a picturesque wooden house is right for you, and discover attractive Oščadnica.

This specific Calvary, Kalvária v Terchovej, ranks among the non-traditional calvaries in Slovakia. It is located in a typical scattered settlement village in northern Slovakia, in the Žilinský kraj. The village of Terchová is one of the important tourist centers of Malá Fatra, but it is also sought after as a pilgrimage site. Take a day off work or plan a sun-drenched weekend spiritually at every single architecturally designed station of the Way of the Cross up to Oravcové hill.

The famous legend of Jánošík is tied to the village as such. However, it is also sought after for other popular attractions in Terchová. This interesting calvary is unique precisely for its stylized crosses. Instead of traditional chapels, you will find stone crosses with glass details laid on the ground, along with statues.

You can start your journey above Ďurkovský laz near the local agricultural cooperative. Following the yellow hiking trail, you can easily reach Oravcové hill. A walk to the top takes about 35 minutes, where a massive stone altar is located. You will also be captivated by unique views of the surrounding pristine nature.

The author of the Terchovská kalvária site is local academic sculptor and native Milan Opalka. This man was the first to contribute to the founding of Cyrilo-metodské dni, which have been held here for over a decade. Based on this need, a project was realized by the village, and in 2006, the calvary received a blessing from a spiritual father.

Should this easy hike combined with spiritual enrichment not be enough for you, we recommend one of the three sections of Jánošíkove diery. You will make full use of your hiking boots, and after such an active day, a rest in one of the accommodations will come in handy. It is best to choose accommodation near Kalvária v Terchovej. Nearby, there are mostly cottages and chalets preferred by families with children or larger groups. If you arrive as a couple and also have wellness at Relaxačné centrum Terchovec on your trip itinerary, stay in a room at a guesthouse Terchová.