Sacral monuments and pilgrimage sites Turčianske Kľačany

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.

You will find a sacred architectural gem, the magical Stredoveký kostolík sv. Štefana Kráľa with its unique interior, in the territory of Žilina, in the Dolné Rudiny district. It is the oldest monument of its kind in the city and one of the oldest sacred buildings in northwestern Slovakia. This fairytale-like church stands out not only for its interior design, but also for its medieval wall paintings, a site of skeleton graves, a 14th-century chapel, and an enclosing stone wall with an entrance gate.

The Kostol sv. Štefana Kráľa church was built in the Late Romanesque style. The first written mention dates back to 1429. According to research, it was likely built at the beginning of the 13th century. Legend has it, however, that it was built by the King of Hungary, St. Stephen, to commemorate a battle he fought in the 11th century against the troops of the Polish King Bolesław I the Brave. The church originally served as a place of worship for several surrounding settlements. The monument underwent an extensive Baroque reconstruction in 1762, when ceiling vaults were added and small Romanesque windows were replaced by large Baroque ones.

The church attracts visitors not only with its unique atmosphere, but also with its extraordinary interior design. The southern side of the presbytery is adorned with medieval wall paintings originating from the second half of the 13th century. Younger paintings depict four saints – St. Ladislaus, St. Emeric, St. Stephen, and St. Elizabeth. Fragments of the scene Christ in Mandorla, carried by four angels, have been preserved on the church's vault. Directly inside the church interior, the foundation of a stone pulpit and skeleton graves from the 17th to 18th centuries were discovered in the past.

Another interesting architectural object is the Kaplnka Božieho Tela (Chapel of Corpus Christi) located south of the church. It originally served as an ossuary, and 80 skeleton graves were found around it. Among the most precious finds are a bronze ring with a Latin text and several historical coins. The atmosphere of the church is enhanced by a stone wall with an entrance gate and a circular bastion.

If you enjoy cultural monuments, make sure not to miss a trip to this unique church during your stay in Žilina. You can combine it with observing the night sky at Pozorovateľňa Malý Diel Žilina, a tour of Budatínsky zámok, or a walk or cycling trip around Vodná nádrž Hričov. In the vicinity of Žilina, be sure to visit Hrad Strečno, opposite of which the beautiful Rozprávkový les Nezbudská Lúčka stretches across the hill. Holiday options in this region are truly diverse. Book accommodation near Stredoveký kostolík sv. Štefana Kráľa and embark on a journey of discovering northern Slovakia. Our offer of accommodation in Žilina is guaranteed to meet your expectations. Choose a chalet according to your preferences or find a cost-effective hostel and start your holiday preparations.