Velčice offers different perspectives on history and landscape: sacred art, an archaeological hillfort, the history of glassmaking and protected natural sites. The timespan ranges from the settlement on Veľký Tribeč, which is dated approximately, to the glassworks of the 19th century. Specific local details may also be useful for planning, such as the works in the churches and the 1 km section of the nature trail.
Church art and historical details
The Church of the Holy Trinity in Velčice was probably built at the end of the 13th century. The frescoes inside it date to the second half of the 15th century. The church and numerous monuments within it were entered in the state register of immovable cultural monuments in 1965 and 1968. The construction period, frescoes and registrations therefore correspond to different historical reference points.
The Chapel of the Holy Cross and the Seven Sorrows of Mary was built below Svinec between 1740 and 1743. It contains a polychrome statue of Our Lady of Sorrows. The chapel also has a reliquary of the Holy Cross, which was brought from Rome in 1748. These details add specifically identified furnishings, along with their origins and dates, to the church art.
Hillfort and glassworks history
The archaeological hillfort on Veľký Tribeč lies within the cadastral territories of Velčice and Kovarce. Its features include monumental defensive ramparts and the remains of entrance gates. The hillfort's settlement is dated approximately to the 9th to 8th centuries BC. This approximate dating refers to the settlement, not to a precisely established year of construction.
A much later historical trace leads to Huta above Velčice: a glassworks was founded there in the 1830s. It mainly produced hollow glass, including bottles in various colours, glasses and measuring vessels. In chronological terms, this 19th-century production history came much later than the hillfort settlement, dated approximately to the 9th to 8th centuries BC.
Valley, natural monument and biodiversity
Velčice lies in the valley of the Čerešňový potok at the meeting point of the Tribeč Mountains and the Žitavská pahorkatina upland. One named natural site is Velčické cery at the Pod cerami location: this protected natural monument consists of a group of old, majestic Turkey oaks. There is also a reservoir and a fallow deer enclosure above Velčice.
Biodiversity is also part of the area's natural character. Eight protected plant species and more than 20 protected animal species occur in the natural landscape of Velčice. Together with the named sites, they offer a view of both individual landscape features and the protected species found in the surrounding area.
Nature trail and cycling route
The section of the nature trail in Velčice is 1 km long, easy to walk and has a parking area. The section includes tourist information, a state-protected cultural monument, a church, a memorial, a cemetery, a bus stop and an inn. The length and stated difficulty refer to the section in Velčice. As route conditions and parking availability can change, check them before your visit.
For cycling navigation, Route 5115 is relevant: it leads to Velčice, turns there and continues via Mankovce to Zlatno. Check trail conditions and markings on site before setting off.
Discover more destinations: Beladice, Hostie, Čierne Kľačany, Zlaté Moravce, Nemčiňany, Jedľové Kostoľany, Veľké Vozokany, Tesárske Mlyňany.
For the wider travel overview: Zlaté Moravce.
