Szentiványi Manor House showcases Beladice’s architectural history on several levels: the extensive remodelling in 1874 was carried out for O. Sentiváni, based on plans by V. Balogh and in a Romantic Neo-Baroque-Classical style. The main façade faces the park; the ground floor retains coffered ceilings and wooden wall panelling. The house’s outward orientation and specific interior details can thus be seen side by side.
Landscape and Orientation
Beladice lies in the Danubian Lowland, on the Žitava Tableland. The Drevenica stream flows through Beladice, rising below the Tribeč Mountains and flowing into the Žitava. These geographical reference points provide a clear setting for the town, while the manor houses, churches and chapels reveal different aspects of its architectural history.
Manor Houses and Ceramic Art
Pustý Chotár Manor House also has its own architectural history: the noble Jesenský family had it built around 1820. Inside, a faience fireplace dating from the 1890s has been preserved. It takes the form of a pseudo-Renaissance sideboard—a striking combination of a fireplace and cupboard form, with its material, design and date of origin all specified. The manor house and its original park were extensively reconstructed and renovated between 1998 and 2003.
Ceramic art is also associated with Pustý Chotár. The International Ceramic Workshop began in 1999 on the grounds of the heritage-listed manor house. By 2009, a total of eight workshops had been held, with more than 50 artists from 22 countries taking part. The Natural Gallery of Art Ceramics is located at Pustý Chotár Manor House in Beladice. It is free to visit for tourists and the general public; check visiting conditions before setting out.
The park of Szentiványi Manor House contains rare deciduous trees, including lime trees and poplars. The park is also home to a Szentiványi family mausoleum dating from 1874. The connection with the park is reflected in the orientation of the main façade, as well as in the trees mentioned and the mausoleum.
Churches and Architectural History
In Veľké Chrašťany, the present-day parish church of Saint John of Nepomuk was built between 1795 and 1804. The first church had already been built on the same site in 1332, but was destroyed during Turkish raids. The history of the church site therefore stretches back well before the present church.
In Malé Chrašťany, the Ramplet family had the Chapel of the Holy Cross built in 1863 as a family burial chapel. In the 1980s, it was adapted for religious services. Its later use therefore differs from its original function as a burial place.
The Church of Our Lady of Fatima in Pustý Chotár was consecrated on 22 October 2000; construction work had begun on 25 February 1994. Veľké Chrašťany is also home to the Sirániovský Manor House, a two-storey Classical building from the late 18th century, now in a derelict, ruined state. In front of house no. 17 stands a statue of Saint John of Nepomuk, a folk Baroque work dating from 1766.
Cycling as Another Planning Option
A route description in a regional tourism guide from 2002 takes the Dolnožitavská cycling route to Beladice. It gives the route’s length as 43 kilometres and its elevation gain as 77 metres, and describes it as suitable for road bikes and mountain bikes. Check the route and details before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Vieska Nad Žitavou, Mankovce, Hostie, Ladice, Lovce, Velčice, Slepčany, Goldmorawitz.
Return to the main travel overview: Zlaté Moravce.
