Plášťovce between nature and architectural heritage

With its protected forest-steppe, buildings from several centuries and regional folklore, Plášťovce offers different ways to enjoy a stay. You can focus on the natural area of Šípka, the town’s architectural history or its cultural events. Cyclists can also explore a nature trail with details on its length and elevation gain, as well as a moderately difficult MTB route.

Šípka Nature Reserve

The Šípka Nature Reserve was designated in 1988, covers 46.8 hectares and is subject to the fourth level of protection. It protects forest-steppe communities on volcanic sandstones and conglomerates. These are home to heat- and drought-loving steppe communities with rare and protected species. The interplay between the geological substrate and vegetation makes Šípka a distinctive nature destination alongside the historic buildings. Check the protection status before your visit.

Architectural heritage from different eras

The Church of St. George has a 42-metre-high tower. The present church was built of brick in the Art Nouveau style and is probably the third church on the same site. Its tower height, material and style offer different ways to appreciate the building: its height defines its silhouette, while the brick construction and Art Nouveau style characterise its present form.

Several construction phases can be distinguished in the manor house of the Palásthyovci family. It was originally built in the Baroque style in the early 18th century and completed in 1730. A Neoclassical renovation followed at the beginning of the 19th century. The Baroque construction and later Neoclassical alterations thus tell the story of different periods in the house’s history.

A smaller religious monument is the Holy Trinity statue, a preserved local wayside monument dating from 1901. A two-winged Neoclassical manor house from the 19th century, with a flat ceiling, is now neglected and in ruins. The so-called Turecká kaplnka also forms part of the built landscape: it is a Neoclassical wayside chapel at the site of a battle. The Náučný chodník Plášťovce nature trail starts at the chapel.

Folklore and events

The Búzavirág folklore group from Plášťovce presents local customs and singing programmes, including a traditional wedding from Plášťovce. The group performs at various events at home and abroad. Local customs and singing are therefore part of the town’s cultural profile alongside its historic buildings.

Plášťovce regularly hosts the regional children’s folklore festival for kindergartens, “Szólj, síp, szólj!”, and, in September, the Oberačkové slávnosti, a grape harvest festival. If you would like to plan your trip around an event, check the dates for your preferred travel period.

Nature trail and cycling route

The Náučný chodník Plášťovce nature trail is 12 kilometres long and has 160 metres of elevation gain. Much of the route is suitable for bicycles; suitability may vary depending on trail conditions, which you should check before setting out. You can reach the trail by bus to Plášťovce, then walk about 1.5 kilometres southwest from the town centre. Check the bus timetable separately.

The Hrušovská cycling route continues past Rykynčice to Plášťovce and is a moderately difficult MTB route. The two cycling routes offer different guidance for choosing a ride: the nature trail has details on its length and elevation gain, while the Hrušovská cycling route is graded as moderately difficult.

Discover more destinations: Ondrejovce, Tehla, Hronské Kľačany, Krškany, Tupá, Podlužany, Rybník, Tekovské Lužany

For the overview of the wider area: Levice.