In 1943, the previously independent settlements of Liešťany, Dobročná and Lomnica were merged to form the present-day municipality of Liešťany. The history of the three places, however, goes back much further: it has been documented in writing since the beginning of the 14th century. Folklore traditions also give Liešťany its own cultural identity. For a cycling outing, the Bojnický cyklookruh passes through the village and offers flexibility in choosing your starting point.

A local history with medieval traces

Two historical place names are recorded for 1332: Liešťany was called Lyssen and Dobročná was called Dobrochna. The names show that the history of the settlements now united as one municipality was recorded in writing long before their merger in 1943. Another medieval connection leads to the valley of Diviacka. After King Charles Robert confirmed mining rights in 1337, the search for and extraction of precious metals began there.

The account of a former parish church is also part of local history, but with an important qualification: historical seals suggest that Liešťany once had a parish church dedicated to Saint George. Together with the place names and the history of mining rights, this offers a glimpse into different aspects of the past without combining them into a single story.

Folklore and dates throughout the year

The LIESKA folklore group was formed in 1989 following a performance in a chapel in Liešťany during a local church festival. LIESKA’s traditions include regular performances at local Mother’s Day celebrations and church festivals. The group is also known to sing in church at Christmas, Easter and local church festivals; check the programme to see whether LIESKA is currently taking part in these events. Folklore is therefore linked not just to one occasion, but to several festive times throughout the year.

At weddings, LIESKA observes the custom of Čepčenie: at night, the bride’s wreath is removed and a bonnet is placed on her head. However, the group is not guaranteed to take part in every celebration. If you are interested in this tradition, consider it part of the local customs rather than a regular feature of every wedding programme.

There are recurring events outside the church festival season too. The annual carnival programme “Pochovávanie basy” is one of Liešťany’s folklore traditions. Every year on the first Sunday in May, KST Liešťany continues the traditional star-shaped ascent of Suchý vrch, with a raffle and music. In September, goulash is traditionally cooked on Chotej hora. If you would like to time your trip around a particular event, check the latest dates.

Cycling route, hiking orientation and landscape

The blue-marked route 2308, the Bojnický cyklookruh, runs through Liešťany between Nevidzany and Kostolná Ves. You can start at any point and combine it with other cycling routes in the district. There is no fixed starting point, so you can choose a route to suit your cycling day and include other trails in the district.

A tourist map was installed in front of the Liešťany Cultural Centre on 3 October 2018 to help with hiking orientation. It is intended to help visitors find their way on hikes and explore the surrounding area. Check on site whether the map is still in usable condition. This offers a different kind of planning from the Bojnický cyklookruh: you can join the cycling route at any point, while the map is intended as a guide for hikes.

Part of the municipality’s territory lies within the Strážovské vrchy Special Protection Area for birds, SKCHVU 028, which is part of the Natura 2000 network. This protected-area designation applies to part of the municipal territory and adds a landscape dimension to the historical and cultural themes.

Liešťany can therefore be planned around a range of interests: local history and folklore offer different historical and seasonal points of interest, while the cycling route allows you to choose where to start. If you are travelling for a particular festival, check the current programme; for a hike, the map installed in front of the Cultural Centre can help you find your way.

Discover more destinations: Nitrianske Sučany, Dolné Vestenice, Handlová, Tužina, Opatovce Nad Nitrou, Bystricany, Nedožery-Brezany, Veľká Čausa.

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