Šurany: Synagogue, Museum and Archaeological Traces

Šurany reveals itself through architecture, city history and archaeological traces. The Orthodox synagogue, town museum and parish church offer different perspectives on the culture of the place. There are also monuments with specific historical connections and the TONA recreation area. This gives you a choice for your trip between architecture, museum exhibits and leisure activities.

Synagogue and Town Museum

The Orthodox synagogue in Šurany is a national cultural monument, built in 1916. Its eclectic architecture combines Moorish, Art Nouveau and Byzantine elements. Here, eclectic means the juxtaposition of different design influences in one building. Those interested in architecture will find several distinct forms to focus on, rather than just one style.

The permanent exhibition of the Šurany Town Museum is located on the synagogue’s upper floor. It covers the history of the town and its districts, Nitriansky Hrádok and Kostolný Sek—from prehistory through the 20th century. After the interior was reconstructed, the synagogue opened to the public in May 2005. It also serves as a venue for museum and gallery exhibitions, concerts, lectures and presentations; individual programs may change. Before visiting, check what is currently taking place.

Archaeology, Church Architecture and Monuments

The archaeological finds exhibited in the town museum include pieces from Zámeček, the “Slovak Troy” in Nitriansky Hrádok, as well as finds from the site of Šurany Castle. The city’s history can thus also be explored through finds associated with specific places. The Zámeček archaeological site is in the district of Nitriansky Hrádok and is one of the region’s most important historical sites; its significance extends beyond the city limits. Conditions at the site may change.

The parish church of Saint Stephen the First Martyr offers a different architectural perspective. It has basilica-like architecture and the largest stained-glass altar window in Slovakia. Two distinct features are therefore in focus: the church’s design and the size of its stained-glass window.

The Marian Plague Column, with its statue of the Immaculata, commemorates the plague epidemic of 1709–1710. The Hrádocká Venuša monument was erected in 1997 and is a large replica of the Neolithic Hrádocká Venuša. The two monuments evoke different historical themes: the plague column recalls a dated epidemic, while the Venus monument draws on a Neolithic motif.

Recreation and Getting Around

The TONA recreation area offers residents of Šurany and the surrounding area opportunities for recreation and leisure. The city’s 2024 annual report also mentions fishing services and cultural, social and entertainment events there. Facilities and seasonal operations, the event program and access to fishing may change. If you plan to visit TONA, check in advance which services and events are currently available.

Šurany is connected to the surrounding area by rail and bus. If you plan to travel by public transport, check current connections and timetables before your trip. The city’s history, archaeological themes and leisure opportunities offer different reasons to choose Šurany—as a cultural getaway or a trip that also includes time to relax.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Palárikovo, Tvrdošovce, Lipová, Rastislavice, Pavlová, Úľany Nad Žitavou, Branovo, Nové Zámky

For the overview of the wider area: Nové Zámky.