Scharnowitz: Church, Castle and Calvary

Scharnowitz (Žarnovica) reveals several historical layers: an originally Gothic church, a castle with an older history of fortification, and Revište Castle. Other perspectives are offered by a wooded Stations of the Cross, a self-guided educational trail and traditional ceramic crafts. If you are looking for a hotel for your trip to Slovakia, these different themes can help you get a sense of Scharnowitz as a destination.

Church, castle and earlier fortifications

The Roman Catholic Church of St. Peter and Paul dates back to an originally Gothic building erected around 1400. In 1647, the church was destroyed during a Turkish raid and was not restored until the end of the 17th century. A portal from the ruins of Revište Castle’s chapel was set into its wall to preserve it. So, a visit to the church also brings you face to face with an architectural feature whose history is connected to the castle chapel.

A Gothic palace or castle previously stood on the site of the castle, serving as an outpost fortification for Revište Castle. The castle dates from around the turn of the 15th and 16th centuries; according to historical sources, it was built in 1490 by Filip Dóczy on the older foundations of a fortified castle. This historical attribution remains tied to its sources. A later political use is also on record: in 1666, the assembly of Tekov County met in the castle.

Local history and crafts

The first written mention of Žarnovica dates to 1332. It names the priest Friedrich from St. Nicholas Church in a list of papal tithes. The year thus points to a specific church-related context in the town’s early history.

Local craft and trade history extends beyond individual buildings. Millstones made in Žarnovica were historically used to grind grain for markets in the Žiarska kotlina basin. Some of the products were transported down the Hron River to lower-lying parts of the country. This history complements the evidence of the church and fortifications with a glimpse into past work and trade routes.

Calvary and Revište Castle

The Calvary is on a small hill at the southwestern edge of town, next to the cemetery. Its Stations of the Cross follow a simple path through the trees. The complex, with 14 chapels or stations, was created in 2001 through donations. At the top, three wooden crosses stand in front of the Neo-Gothic Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, built in 1895. Views from the area stretch across Žarnovica to distant hills; the chapel is usually closed.

The ruins of Revište Castle are in Žarnovica; administratively, the site belongs to Žarnovica District and the Banská Bystrica Region. The castle can be reached on foot from Revištské Podzámčie in about 30 minutes. Treat the walking time as an estimate and check trail conditions before setting out.

Educational trail, animals and speedway

The Kľakovská Valley forest educational trail is open year-round as a self-guided loop for walking and cycling. Its themes bring together history, forestry and natural history. This makes it a different way to spend time outdoors than visiting a single historic building: you set your own pace and encounter the loop’s designated themes along the way.

Zveropark in Revištské Podzámčie offers animal watching, a small waterfall, a lake rich in fish and a meadow for picnics. It is home to more than 40 animal species. The number of species and individual offerings may change, so check the latest information before your visit.

The speedway stadium is located in the city’s sports complex, Mestský športový areál, Bystrická 37, 966 81 Žarnovica. If you are planning to attend a specific event, check the relevant event information.

Ceramics as a hands-on experience

At the Glgáč Ceramic Festival at Revište Castle, potters from the wider surrounding area gathered for the sixth time on May 9, 2026, and demonstrated traditional crafts. Visitors could try ceramics themselves, including throwing a pot on a wheel. This edition is now in the past; it offers a concrete picture of how the festival combined craft demonstrations with hands-on activities.

This makes it possible to choose how to explore Scharnowitz based on the experiences that interest you on your trip to Slovakia.

Discover more destinations: Malá Lehota, Župkov, Rudno Nad Hronom, Nová Baňa, Hodruša-Hámre, Horné Hámre, Hrabičov, Hronský Beňadik, Kľak, Ostrý Grúň, Tekovská Breznica, Veľké Pole, Voznica, Brehy, Žarnovica, Orovnica.

For the overview of the wider region: Banská Bystrica.