Discover Vlašky

Vlašky, a district of Vlachy, combines local history with cycling routes that pass through the area. The filial Church of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary, a chapel built in 1930, and the remains of a former mill represent different chapters of local history. There is also the TC01 mountain bike loop; the cycling route through the Dúbravská Valley also passes through Vlašky. Nearby is the Havránok open-air archaeological museum. When choosing accommodation for your trip to Slovakia, you can weigh up whether local history, cycling, or an archaeological site will feature most prominently in your travel plans.

History from the settlement’s beginnings to its first mention

The settlement was established sometime around the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries at the initiative of nobles from Vlachy. Vlašky is first mentioned in a document in 1391. The date of its establishment and its first mention refer to different historical milestones: one places the settlement’s beginnings in time, while the other marks its first documented reference. In historical documents, Vlašky appears under the Hungarian name “Kysolazy,” meaning “Malé Vlachy.” In the 15th and 16th centuries, Vlašky belonged to the noble Demkeovci family. Thus, the date of its establishment, its historical name, and its later association with a noble family represent different aspects of the area’s history.

Churches and traces of earlier use

The filial Church of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary is located in Vlašky. The Vlašky Chapel is also in the area; it was built in 1930 and no longer serves its original purpose. A new church in the immediate vicinity of the chapel provides better conditions for ceremonies and religious services. If you plan to visit the chapel, check local access beforehand. The remains of a former mill, including a millrace, are also located along the road in Vlašky. The religious buildings and the remains of the mill point to different aspects of the area’s history.

Cycling through Vlašky

The TC01 route is a mountain bike loop that passes through Vlašky. It is rated as moderate, with a difficulty level of 3. On the way back, the route passes the historic building of Vlašky’s original railway stop. This gives the ride a named historical point of interest along its return leg, in addition to its sporting classification. Another cycling route through the Dúbravská Valley also passes through Vlašky. The two routes offer different ways to include the area in a cycling trip. If you plan to ride TC01, check current trail conditions before setting out.

Havránok open-air archaeological museum

Havránok is located near Vlašky, on the shore of the Liptovská Mara reservoir and above the bell tower of the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. The open-air archaeological museum features reconstructed Celtic dwellings, fortifications with a gate, a pottery kiln, and a sacrificial site. Archaeological reconstruction is the focus here, while the churches and mill remains mentioned above are located in Vlašky itself. This distinction is useful when planning your trip: Havránok is a nearby destination, not one of the historic buildings in the district.

When choosing accommodation for this trip, you can distinguish between the highlights: the local history and both cycling routes mentioned above are associated with Vlašky itself, while Havránok is a nearby destination. Tailor your search to whether the district alone or the open-air archaeological museum as well is part of your travel plans.

For the broader travel overview: Vlachy.