Veľký Lapáš – Winegrowing, Culture and Local Customs

Veľký Lapáš combines winegrowing, village culture and historical landmarks in the western Žitavská sprašová pahorkatina. A particularly distinctive feature is the winegrowing clock “Lapášsky orloj”: it is located in the Lapáš vineyards at the cadastral boundary between Malý Lapáš and Veľký Lapáš and was created entirely by local woodcarver Peter Šrank. The clock strikes daily at 12:00 and 18:00.

Vineyards and practical orientation

The vineyards around Dvor u rezbára are privately owned. Entering and parking on these properties is prohibited. This restriction is part of the on-site orientation and should be taken into account when planning a visit. The Stations of the Cross at Dvor u rezbára consist of 14 stations and were made from poplar wood. Thus, craftsmanship and religious tradition stand side by side in this area, without this implying general access to the vineyards. The winegrowing clock is a clearly named landmark of the local wine landscape. Its location on the boundary between the two Lapáš villages also makes it clear that the name is not associated only with Veľký Lapáš. For visitors interested in culture, the village also offers a historical connection: the first written mention of Lapáš dates from 1113, when the village belonged to the estate of Zobor Monastery.

Church and the village’s developed history

Another prominent landmark is the church “Kostol Nepoškvrneného počatia Panny Márie”. It was originally Gothic and was converted to the Baroque style and extended in 1715. The church is in very good condition and continues to serve its religious purpose. Those who wish to explore not only winegrowing but also older architectural and local history in Veľký Lapáš will find an independent cultural focus here.

Festivals, wine and regional traditions

The 2026 events calendar shows how closely wine and community life are connected. The 20th edition of the wine exhibition with a public tasting at the Veľký Lapáš Cultural Centre was listed for 27 March 2026. The “Susedská vínna cesta” was planned for 16 May 2026 through the vineyards of Obdokovce and Lapáš. “Veľká noc v dreve” was also listed from 2 to 6 April 2026 in the Lapáš vineyards at Dvor u rezbára. Several dates refer to traditional village culture. “Tradičné stavanie mája” was planned for 30 April 2026 in the park by the Cultural Centre. The carnival procession “Fašiangová obchôdzka stredom obce” in Veľký Lapáš was listed for 14 February 2026. An evening celebration of the 90th anniversary of the Dychová hudba Lapášanka brass band was listed for 24 January 2026 at the Cultural Centre. The Veľký Lapáš Municipal Day “Deň obce Veľký Lapáš” was planned for 5 September 2026 from 14:00 in the park by the Cultural Centre. Its programme included a market with regional products and wine tastings. The “Veľkolapášsky kotlík 2026” goulash-cooking competition was also listed for 5 September 2026 in the park by the Cultural Centre. “Chodenie Lucií obcou” in Veľký Lapáš is also listed for 13 December 2026. More village pages: Babindol, Čakajovce, Lužianky, Kolíňany, Lúcnica Nad Zitavou, Branč, Poľný Kesov, Lukáčovce.

For the higher-level travel overview: Nitra.