Beša – Churches, Landscape and Local History

Beša combines a long local history with sacred architecture, a rural cultural landscape and various ways to actively explore the surrounding area. If you are looking for a place in Slovakia with historical traces, a cycle route and distinctive local sites, Beša offers several different ways to explore it: from the town centre to the churches, wetlands and hills of the Bešianska pahorkatina.

Local History from a Mammoth Discovery to the Railway

Beša was first mentioned in writing on 5 July 1292. An unusual testimony to the village's more recent history can be found in the town centre: a memorial plaque now marks the house where remains of a mammoth skeleton were discovered during the construction of its cellar in 1902. The first train passed through Beša railway station on 25 September 1914.

However, the history of the municipality's territory goes back considerably further. A hoard of bronze objects from the Late Bronze Age, Roman-Barbarian settlement finds and a Slavic inhumation burial ground dating from the 10th to the 11th century have been discovered in Beša. Agriculture and viticulture have long been among Beša's local livelihoods and form another part of its local character.

Two Churches and Living Local Culture

The Reformed, also known as Calvinist, church was built in 1793 on its present floor plan. Its current appearance dates from renovations carried out in 1903. Three bells hang in the tower; one of them comes from the church in the abandoned village of Mochovce. The building therefore preserves not only its own history but also points to a settlement that was subsequently abandoned.

Kostol sv. Anny is a Baroque church built in 1770 and bears the heritage register number 12170/1. The single-nave interior, the presbytery with a segmental termination and the projecting tower define its architectural form. The church is in good condition and continues to be used for its religious purpose. The cultural centre is also important to the local community: cultural and social events are held there and are also open to the wider public from the surrounding area. During the Bešianske hody, traditional disco events and entertainments are part of the programme.

Landscape, Cycle Route and Special Activities

A notable natural feature is the legally protected Turkey oak Bešiansky cer (Quercus cerris) in the Bešianska cerina. This tree offers extensive views of the surrounding area. The prepared off-road tracks in the hills of the Bešianska pahorkatina near the football grounds offer another perspective on the landscape. Since 2007, gatherings and races for off-road and special-purpose vehicles have been held there.

Route 5525M runs through Trávnica, Beša and Bardoňovo. The wetlands near Beša can be reached via a short detour from the cycle route to Podhájska. This means that different landscape elements can be experienced on one tour without having to combine them into a single destination.

Sport also has its own history in the village: organised football in Beša dates back to the founding of the Sokol Beša football club in 1949. A sports complex with a covered stand was built between 1973 and 1974. Twice a year, motorcyclists meet in Beša before continuing together to the pilgrimage site of Studnička to attend a mass there.

Other Places at a Glance

For further orientation, you can also explore Jesenské, Šarovce, Lok, Tupá, Krškany, Malé Ludince, Brhlovce and Šahy.

For the broader travel overview: Levice.