The built-up area of Šintava lies on the left bank of the Váh. The river and the town’s history offer different starting points for a stay: from early settlement near the crossing of the Váh to culture and leisure by the riverbank.
Castle and historical traces
A settlement from the Iron Age near the crossing of the Váh forms part of Šintava’s history. Later, a Great Moravian hillfort centre near Šintava guarded the river crossing and provided the basis for the medieval water castle. The first documented mention of the castle dates from 1042. A description from 1423 refers to it as having two curtain walls and three towers.
Šintava’s past also includes the early history of printing: under the protection of Július Salma, a printing house was established at the castle in 1573, described as the first in Slovakia. These historical milestones provide a concrete context for the town’s history, but should not be equated with present-day buildings or sightseeing opportunities.
St Martin’s Church and exhibitions
The Roman Catholic Church of St Martin is a Baroque-Classical building dating from the second half of the 18th century. The church existed by the 12th century at the latest; the parish of St Martin is documented in 1234. Its location at the highest point of the former hillfort connects the history of the church with that of the castle. Terraces of the former rampart are still visible on Hradná, Sereďská and Dlhá streets.
Two museum exhibitions are located in the meeting room of the municipal office: ŠINTAVSKÁ IZBA and ŠINTAVSKÍ KOŠIKÁRI. They are open during office hours. Before visiting, check whether the office hours fit your plans.
Traditions and wine events
Stavanie mája is celebrated annually in Šintava on the last day of April. On the village square, local recruits erect the Maypole to the sound of the Šintavanka brass band. If you plan to travel specifically for the event, check the arrangements locally in advance.
Local wine traditions include the recurring Svätourbanská koštovka, a wine tasting held at the Šintavan winery, and Šintavské vinobranie. The recurring harvest festival features a pageant, cultural performances, and exhibitions of fruit, vegetables and flowers. For both events, check the date and specific programme before planning your visit around them.
The Váh, leisure and outdoor activities
The Lodenica area on the banks of the Váh is Šintava’s leisure and sports centre. The boathouse of Veslársky klub Šintava is also right on the Váh and is well equipped for rowing. The club has two dragon boats for recreational use. Each can accommodate 20 people, as well as a helmsman and a drummer.
The club welcomes adults interested in rowing as well as children. Arrange participation with the club and check current access to training before visiting. This keeps your plans in line with the club’s actual arrangements, without assuming that participation is possible or that access is open.
For a cycling trip, a 21-kilometre leisure route connects Hlohovec and Šintava along the left bank of the Váh. The route information provided by the city of Hlohovec was updated in 2024; check current trail conditions before setting off. Near Šintava is also Bagrovisko Šintava, an 8.8-hectare carp fishing lake. Fishing is permitted there year-round, subject to individual closed seasons and the applicable fishing regulations. Find out which rules apply before fishing.
Discover more destinations: Sládkovičovo, Šalgočka, Matúškovo, Vozokany, Šoporňa, Horné Saliby, Trstice, Sereď.
See the broader travel overview: Galanta.
