The destination is called Hlohovec. Freistadt was a historical German name for Nový Hlohovec, one of two historical settlements in the area of today’s Hlohovec. For travel planning, Hlohovec is the current place name. The city lies between the historic cities of Trnava and Nitra.

By the Váh and at the foot of the Považský Inovec

Hlohovec lies in the western part of the Nitrianska pahorkatina, at the foot of the southern spur of the Považský Inovec and in the Váh floodplain. The Váh, the longest river in Slovakia, flows through the city. On the left bank, a cycle path almost eight kilometers long connects the two ends of Hlohovec. This makes it possible to combine a ride along the river with a route through the town.

Churches and architectural history in the center

St. Michael’s Church, originally Gothic and dating from the 15th century, stands on St. Michael’s Square. The square is also home to St. Anne’s Chapel, which dates from the 18th century. Their different periods of construction provide a clear historical point of reference when exploring the square.

The Church of the Holy Spirit and the adjoining hospital, dating from the 14th century, are near the square. The church’s unusual floor plan is notable: it has no clearly defined apse. Together with the parish church, it offers a glimpse of two different church buildings in the center and their respective architectural histories.

In the northern part of the city center is a Franciscan monastery with the Church of All Saints, dating from the 15th century. Today, the complex is home to the Vlastivedné múzeum. The museum presents the history of Hlohovec from its earliest written mention to the bourgeois revolution of 1848/49, as well as the history of Hlohovec Castle.

Theater and planetarium

The Empírové divadlo, built in 1802, stands in the grounds of Hlohovec Castle. It is described as the oldest surviving theater building in Slovakia. The site thus combines a specific year with a special place in Slovak theater history.

The planetarium has 55 seats. Its dome can project an artificial starry sky, the Sun and Moon, planets, stars visible to the naked eye, and the Milky Way. If you plan to visit, check current opening information in advance.

Routes by the water and through the countryside

Paths branching off from the Váh embankment lead directly to Hlohovec’s swimming pool and to Zámocký park. You can reach the Šianec viewpoint on foot from Hlohovec along a route that starts at the Empírové divadlo, follows Šomodská Street, and passes the Urbánok viewing pavilion. This makes it possible to explore the riverbank, park, and viewpoint as distinct destinations within the city.

Sedliská lies within the cadastral area of Hlohovec and has been under statutory protection since 1974. At that time, it was designated the protected site Soroš – Poniklecová lúčka; in 1988, it was declared a state nature reserve. Its history of protection makes Sedliská another aspect of the landscape around Hlohovec.

An annual event

The Michalský jarmok is Hlohovec’s most important annual event. If the market is the reason for your trip, check the dates for your chosen year; event details may vary.

Discover more destinations: Jalšové, Kľačany, Šulekovo, Koplotovce, Dvorníky, Sasinkovo, Leopoldov, Madunice.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Hlohovec.