Veľké Kostoľany: St. Vitus Church, Chapels and Cycling Route

Veľké Kostoľany between Streams and Sacred Buildings

Veľké Kostoľany combines a clearly recognizable connection to the landscape with remarkable ecclesiastical buildings. The village lies in the valley of the Výtok stream and at the same time on the right-bank terrace of the Dudváh. Another watercourse shapes the surrounding landscape: the Chtelnička stream flows through the Kostolianska Valley. If you choose a destination based on landscape and culture, you will therefore encounter specific geographical names here as well as an unusually dense succession of sacred sites.

The Church of Saint Vitus

The Church of Saint Vitus is the central point of reference for exploring the area’s cultural history. It is an important architectural monument dating from the late 12th century. Its furnishings include a Classical high altar from 1815 with a painting of Saint Vitus. The building’s history can also be read in two semicircular side chapels, which were added to the church in 1736. For your visit, this means you will not find a uniform style, but rather a building in which different historical phases can be identified specifically.

Chapels, Pilgrimage and the Way to the Church

The parish chapel is also part of Veľké Kostoľany’s religious character. It was built of fired bricks in 1768 and is a Baroque chapel. The Eucharist is kept there for public veneration and to strengthen the faithful. The Hájska Chapel has an annual religious date: a pilgrimage takes place there on the Sunday around September 8, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Believers from the surrounding communities take part.

Further stops are located around the cemetery road. The Stations of the Cross run along both sides of this road, which leads to the Church of Saint Vitus. The Lourdes Grotto is located at the entrance to the cemetery. It was consecrated on August 15, 1954. Together with the parish chapel and the Hájska Chapel, this creates a succession of clearly identified religious sites that differ in their function and period of origin.

Cycling Route and Offers with Year-Specific Information

There is also a specific point of reference for exploring the outdoors: the “Nad Holeškou” cycling route passes through Veľké Kostoľany. The route is thus documented as a distinct point of reference for the village, without implying any particular length or level of difficulty.

For local leisure facilities, the year is decisive. In 2024, the children’s playground was accessible daily to children and their parents. Also in 2024, the multifunctional sports field was accessible to the general public in the afternoons; free rental through the grounds manager was available for this purpose. The athletics track was freely accessible to the general public in 2024.

Fairs as Part of the Village’s History

The event history of Veľké Kostoľany includes fairs held in 2010, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2022. A repeatedly documented secular event thus complements the village’s sacred and landscape points of reference.

For the overall travel overview: Veľké Kostoľany.