Plášťovce: Discover Nature, Culture and Trails

Nature

The Šípka Nature Reserve in Plášťovce 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. The area is home to heat-loving and drought-tolerant steppe communities with rare and protected species.

More pages about localities: Čata, Sikenica, Tehla, Hronské Kľačany, Jabloňovce, Lok, Veľké Turovce, Brhlovce.

Culture and History

The present-day Church of St. George was built of brick in the Art Nouveau style. Its tower is 42 metres high; it is probably the third church on the same site.

The manor house of the Palásthyovci was originally built in the early 18th century in the Baroque style and completed in 1730. At the beginning of the 19th century, it was remodelled in the Neoclassical style. The building displays both the original Baroque design and the later Neoclassical alteration.

The statue of the Holy Trinity in Plášťovce is a preserved local religious small monument dating from 1901. The two-winged Neoclassical curia house from the 19th century, with a flat ceiling, is now neglected and in ruins. The so-called Turecká kaplnka is a Neoclassical wayside chapel at a battle site.

The buildings differ significantly in style, function and state of preservation.

Festivals and Traditions

The regional children's folklore festival for kindergartens, “Szólj, síp, szólj!”, is held regularly in Plášťovce. The Oberačkové slávnosti, a grape-harvest festival, are also held regularly. The two events belong to different cultural formats: one is aimed at kindergartens, while the other celebrates the grape harvest.

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. Its programme includes both local performances and appearances outside the country.

Educational Trail and Cycling Routes

The Náučný chodník Plášťovce educational trail begins at the Turecká kaplnka. It is 12 kilometres long, has an elevation gain of 160 metres and is suitable for bicycles along a large part of the route. The route has a fixed starting point, a specified length, an elevation profile and sections where cycling is possible.

After travelling by bus to Plášťovce, the educational trail can then be reached on foot via approximately 1.5 kilometres southwest of the town centre. The route sequence includes arrival in Plášťovce followed by the walk in a southwesterly direction.

The Hrušovská cycling route is a moderately difficult MTB route that continues via Rykynčice to Plášťovce. Its classification as an MTB route and its course distinguish it from the educational trail, which starts at the Turecká kaplnka.

The two options can be compared according to their stated form: the educational trail includes a walking section with cycling possible, while the Hrušovská cycling route is described as a moderately difficult MTB connection.

For the broader travel overview: Levice.