Discover Vlašky through its local history, historic religious buildings and cycling routes. The branch church of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary is located in the Vlašky district of Vlachy; there is also a chapel dating from 1930 and the remains of a former mill. Two cycling routes pass through Vlašky, while the Havránok Archaeological Open-Air Museum is a nearby addition to a cultural stay.

History and historical names

The settlement of Vlašky was established sometime around the turn of the 14th century, on the initiative of nobles from Vlachy. The year 1391 is considered its first recorded mention; this date marks the first mention, not the settlement’s founding. Historical documents also use the Hungarian name “Kysolazy,” meaning “Malé Vlachy” (“Little Vlachy”). In the 15th and 16th centuries, Vlašky belonged to the noble Demke family. The timeline thus spans an approximate founding date, the first recorded mention and its later ownership history; the historical name adds another clue to this chronology.

Church, chapel and mill remains

The branch church of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary is in Vlachy, in the Vlašky district. The Vlašky Chapel was built in 1930 and no longer serves its original purpose. A new church right next to the chapel offers better facilities for ceremonies and services. Check local access in advance if you plan to visit the chapel.

The remains of a former mill, including a millrace, are located beside the road in Vlašky. Together with the religious buildings, the mill remains offer another glimpse of the area’s historic landscape. A millrace is a watercourse that once carried water to a mill.

Cycling routes through Vlašky

Route TC01 is a circular mountain biking route that passes through Vlašky and is rated moderate (difficulty level 3). On the return leg, it passes the historic building of Vlašky’s original railway stop. If you want to take a published difficulty rating into account when choosing a route, TC01 has this specific rating. Check current trail conditions before setting out. The cycling route through the Dúbravská Valley also passes through Vlašky, providing another named route through the village.

Havránok Archaeological Open-Air Museum

Near Vlašky, the Havránok Archaeological Open-Air Museum is located on the shore of the Liptovská Mara reservoir, above the bell tower of the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. Its reconstructed structures include Celtic dwellings and fortifications with a gate. The museum also features a pottery kiln and a sacrificial site. In contrast to Vlašky’s churches, chapel and mill remains, Havránok provides an archaeological focus, with reconstructed dwellings and fortifications at its heart. Alongside evidence of domestic life and defence, the pottery kiln points to craftwork, while the sacrificial site points to ritual practices.

For the broader travel overview: Vlachy.