THE FIRST STAGE OF HIKING
Velká Skalka - Žítková
Watch the video
Basic information about the trail
The trail from Skalka near Trenčín to Žítková along the blue tourist route of the Slovak Tourist Club and the Czech Tourist Club, offers an enriching journey through history and nature. This trail is perfect for those who love hiking and exploring cultural landmarks. Starting at Skalka near Trenčín, you will find the Velká and Malá Skalka monasteries, which are significant pilgrimage sites with a rich history dating back to the 11th century. These monasteries offer a serene atmosphere and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
The trail then takes you through Zámoravce, a small village where you can enjoy the peaceful rural scenery. As you continue, you will reach Trenčín, a city known for its impressive Trenčín Castle. This medieval fortress, perched on a rock above the city, offers breathtaking views and a deep dive into the region’s history. Don’t miss the Roman inscription on the castle rock, dating back to 179 AD, which is one of the oldest historical records in Slovakia.
Leaving Trenčín, the trail leads you to Horná Súča, a picturesque village nestled in the hills. Here, you can explore traditional Slovak architecture and enjoy the tranquil countryside. The local church and surrounding nature provide a perfect spot for a rest before continuing your journey.
The final stretch of the route takes you through the beautiful landscapes of the White Carpathians, leading to Žítková. This village is famous for its “Žítková goddesses,” women known for their healing and divination skills. The Museum of Žítková Goddesses offers a fascinating insight into these unique traditions and the history of the area.
The Cyril and Methodius Route from Skalka near Trenčín to Žítková is an ideal choice for those seeking a blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. This trail not only provides physical activity but also offers the opportunity to learn about the rich history and traditions of the Slovak and Czech regions. Prepare for an unforgettable journey full of discovery and adventure.
What's ahead of us?
Starting point: Velká Skalka (SK)
Ending point: Žítková
Distance: 26,6 km
Estimated travel time: 8:45 hours
Difficulty: medium
Altitude: ascent 937 m, descent 581 m
Surface: paved asphalt road, forest and field paths
Critical points: From Malá Skála in Slovakia, it is necessary to be careful because the marked trail runs along a busy road. We recommend going along the Váh River, where the trail is not marked
Our tip:
Take plenty of food and drink with you, as there are sections of the trail with no food available for purchase during the hike.
What can be seen?
Archaeological, pilgrimage, technical and natural monuments.
Monastery Veľká Skalka
- 911 01 Trenčín, Slovensko
- putnickemiestoskalka.sk
- skalka@fara.sk
- +421 32 658 4240
Monastery Veľká Skalka
On the place where St. Benedict († around 1033) lived a hermit’s life, Bishop James I of Nitra founded a small monastery – the Abbey of St. Benedict in 1224. At its heart were the cave spaces where the hermit lived, to which they added a three-storey chapel, unique in our territory, which is open on the top floor to the aforementioned cave. Other monastery buildings were built in close proximity. However, the life of the Benedictine monks over the centuries was seriously disturbed by the turbulent period during the expansion of Matúš Čák from nearby Trenčín and later by the raids of Hussite troops from nearby Moravia. The demise of the local abbey was caused by the attack of General Katzianer’s troops in 1528.
The Jesuits of Trenčín, who acquired the property of the defunct abbey by donation from King Ferdinand III in 1644 (other sources mention the Bishop of Nitra, Jan Püsky, as the donor), brought new life to the large Skalka. The Jesuits subsequently built new monastery buildings next to the original ones in 1667-69 and gradually renovated the whole area. The reconstruction of the upper floor of the medieval chapel is mentioned in 1717, the stone stairs to the monastery were built in 1755 and the roof was replaced in 1768. After the dissolution of the Order in the Austrian monarchy in 1773, the Jesuits had to leave Veľká Skalka as well and the abandoned buildings began to deteriorate until they turned into ruins.
Partial repairs were carried out in Veľká Skalka in 1852-1853, 1892, 1911 and 1914. After the Second World War, further work was carried out in 1951 and then again in 1982. Major repair and conservation work on the ruins, combined with research, began after 2000.
Pilgrimage site Malá Skalka
- 911 01 Trenčín, Slovensko
- putnickemiestoskalka.sk
- skalka@fara.sk
- +421 32 658 4240
Pilgrimage place Malá Skalka
The two-tower church built in Romanesque style was first mentioned here in 1208. It was dedicated to St. Benadik. Juraj Thurzo, a zealous Catholic, the grandfather of Juraj Thurzo, later palatine, built a chapel in honour of St. Dorothy on its site in 1520. During the Jesuits’ stay in Skalka, the chapel was renovated in 1713 and a tower was added. A new altar in honour of Our Lady of Czestochowa was built in 1679. The church was damaged during the Boer wars. The chapel was enlarged to its present form in 1745 and two towers were added. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre was built in 1949 and processions were held there on Good Friday. Later, a calvary was built on Malá Skalka (1676) with fourteen Stations of the Cross.
Interior of the pilgrimage church
The church was restored again under the Trenčín parish priest Abbot Ľudovít Stárek in 1852-1853; it was repaired and consecrated in 1924 by the Bishop of Nitra Karol Kmetěk. The main altar has since been decorated with statues of the hermits St. Andrew-Svorad and Benadik. The war events of the Second World War did not bypass Skalka either and therefore it was necessary to proceed again to extensive renovation, which was completed in 1951. The solemn Holy Mass was celebrated by the Nitra administrator, Bishop Eduard Nécsey. The painting of the saints on the wall is the work of Father Emil Prokop, SVD, from 1983.
Other modifications to the church at Mala Skalka were carried out in 2003-2006. Sanitary facilities, repairs to the pilgrimage house and the surrounding area were built in 2011. A new Stations of the Cross were added to the pilgrimage area in 2012.
Trenčín Castle
- Matúšova 75/19, 912 50 Trenčín, SK
- www.muzeumtn.sk
- hrad@muzeumtn.sk
- +421 32 / 743 56 57
Trenčín Castle
Trenčín Castle – the dominant feature of the town of Trenčín and the whole Povazie region. Together with Spiš Castle and Devín Castle, it is one of the largest castles in Europe. It has always guarded the trade routes connecting the region of northern Hungary and the Central Slovak mining towns with Bohemia, Moravia, Silesia and Poland. The origins of the castle date back to the 11th century, when it consisted of a residential tower and a rotunda, the remains of which can be seen in the upper courtyard. At the end of the 13th century, the castle came into the possession of Matúš Čák, who owned almost 50 castles and became the legendary lord of the Váh and the Tatra Mountains. There is a beautiful view of a large part of the Považie region from the highest tower of Matúš’s castle.
Other owners of the castle gradually modified and rebuilt it according to their own ideas. King Ludovít of Anjou added a new palace – Ludovít’s Palace, in which you can now see historical period furniture from the 17th-19th centuries. Sigismund of Luxembourg gave the castle to his wife Barbara of Celje and had Barbara’s palace built for her. Stefan Zápolský acquired the castle together with the town at the end of the 15th century and began extensive reconstruction. The Zápolský Palace is the youngest palace of Trenčín Castle.
Parts of the castle
You can see the barracks, the hunger chamber, the cannon bastion and the well of love in the lower part of the castle. The barracks were once used to accommodate the castle garrison and were also used as an ammunition store. Nowadays you can find an exhibition of medieval and modern cold, firearms and firearms. The Cold Chamber was originally built as a lookout tower. It was only later used as a castle prison. It has housed replicas of medieval instruments of torture since 2014. The more adventurous can try putting their head in the pyre, which is located in front of the hunger chamber.
In ancient times, the cannon bastion protected the bridges crossing the Váh River. Nowadays it is used for wedding ceremonies, festive events and occasional exhibitions. A short distance from the cannon bastion is the Well of Love, to which the story of the love of the Turkish young man Omar for the beautiful Fatima is connected. Fatima was a captive of the castle lord Stefan Zápolský and in order to free her, Omar had to dig a well in the hard rock of Trenčín Castle. After three years of digging with his comrades, he finally succeeded. Omar handed the first goblet of water to Zápolský with the words: You have water Zapolsky, but you don’t have a heart. When Omar was taking the freed Fatima on horseback from the castle, her veil got caught on an arrow bush. The oldest inn in Trenčín, originally called the Veil, stood on this spot; today you will find the Fatima Restaurant here.
The Trenčín castle lost its military significance towards the end of the 18th century. A huge fire on 11 June 1790, which almost destroyed the town, also devastatingly affected the castle. The last owner was Iphigenia De Castris D’Harcourt, who donated the castle to the town of Trenčín in 1905.
Where to eat and sleep?
Restaurants and accommodation along the trail.
Pilgrimage House at the Diocesan Shrine
- 911 01 Trenčín, Slovensko
- putnickemiestoskalka.sk
- skalka@fara.sk
- +421 32 658 4240
Dormitory of the Secondary Sports School Trenčín
- Staničná 351/6, Trenčín 911 01
- www.sportovaskolatn.sk
- michaela.sisovska@sportovaskolatn.sk
- +421 32 651 08 11
Pension In Lux
- Zamoravská 129, Zamoravce
- penzion-in-lux.penzion.cz
- penzion-in-lux@penzion.cz
- +420 222 532 547
Oasis Bar
- Horná Súča 323, 913 33 Horná Súča, SK
- www.facebook.com/oazahornasuca
- baroaza323@gmail.com
- +421 949 830 870
Pension Žítková
- Žítková 17, 687 74 Žítková
- www.penzionzitkova.cz
- a-sedlacikova@seznam.cz
- +420 607 114 028
Hotel and restaurant Kopanice
- Žítková 116, 687 74 Žítková
- www.hotelkopanice.cz
- recepce@hotelkopanice.cz
- +420 572 631 663
Are you interested in having your business appear on this website? Click on the link to the right and fill in the attached form.
Photogallery
Photos from hiking.
Why walk the trails of the Cyril and Methodius Route?
The long-distance trails of the Cyril and Methodius Route invite you to pilgrimage sites and archaeological sites that have contributed significantly to the development of Slavic culture. They are signposted in both directions and encourage wandering without borders, not only state borders.
- Experience: you'll be surprised what you can do
- Great signposting: tourist signposting
- Incredible landscape: we wander through the countryside off the busy stretches
What can be obtained?
Perhaps everyone likes to bring back something from hiking, be it various tourist and souvenir items. If you will be hiking the Cyril and Methodius Route, we have prepared the following printed materials to motivate you to hike the trail:
- Pilgrimage passports: collecting stamps for a special passport
- Memorial letters: a souvenir letter at the end of the journey
- Maps: printed guide