Discover Hradište

If you would like to combine a hike with nature and culture, Hradište offers some specific places to start. The village lies in the deep valley of the Držkovo stream at the foot of the Stolické vrchy. Scattered settlements, preserved elements of the original architecture and richly varied vegetation shape the landscape of the Hradišské vrchy.

Valley, forests and protected chestnut trees

The forests around Hradište consist mainly of deciduous trees. Oaks, beeches, hornbeams and Turkey oaks are among the characteristic species. Wildlife is also part of the landscape: after a long absence, bears, lynxes, wildcats and wolves are once again permanent residents of the forests around Hradište. Blackberries and rose hips grow on the slopes, and there are also opportunities for mushroom picking. What you may find varies depending on the season and conditions.

The protected sweet chestnuts known as Hradišské gaštany are a special natural attraction. They stand at the back of the garden of house No. 127 in the cadastral area of Hradište pri Uhorskom, in the Poltár District. The two trees are about 200 years old and 22 and 25 metres tall, respectively.

Hiking route to Jasenina

A paved road leads from Hradište into the Hradišské vrchy. After four kilometres, a hiking trail branches off, leading from Málinec to Jasenina. The route to Jasenina is about 10 kilometres long and is considered easy. This provides both a specific distance and a description of the difficulty level to help you plan.

Church, architectural history and local tradition

Hradište’s central Protestant church is an Art Nouveau building with a hall layout and a tall projecting tower. The neoclassical altar features the painting “Kristus na mori” by František Gyurkovits of Lučenec. Services are held every third Sunday. If you are planning to attend a service, confirm the date locally beforehand. Art Nouveau characterises the church building, while the altar is neoclassical; the two style terms therefore refer to different elements of the same building.

The village’s architectural history also goes back further: a manor house in the classical style was built in Hradište in 1822. A Bronze Age hillfort is located in the Hrádok part of the village. The chapel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus also stands in the scattered settlements. Each year, a church feast known as an odpust is celebrated there on the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Check the date locally when planning your visit.

Hradište’s historic craft traditions include wheel-making and the making of wooden tableware. Nearby, the local civic association OZ PreHradište looks after an orchard. It is planted mainly with high-quality apple varieties grown without chemical treatment.

Discover more destinations: Ozdín, Utekáč, Uhorské, Zlatno, Hrnčiarska Ves, České Brezovo, Veľká Ves, Krná

For the broader travel overview: Poltár District.