Hronské Kľačany: Churches, Markets and Cycling Region

Hronské Kľačany brings together a rich history of church architecture, market traditions and its role in a regional cycling initiative. Local stories range from the 18th-century chapel in the cemetery to the Marian Chapel on Krížny vrch. They also include a historic drainage canal, past performances by the Hron folk group and markets planned annually. For planning your trip, the different themes and times of year are especially relevant.

Churches and Chapels in the History of the Village

The first chapel in Hronské Kľačany was built in 1764 in what is now the cemetery. In 1784, the original old church was built on its site, without a tower or bells and dedicated to Saints Philip and James. The sequence of these two buildings traces an early period in the village’s religious history. A later chapter was added in the same cemetery: its bell tower was ceremonially unveiled on 7 July 2013. Its bell is also dedicated to Saints Philip and James.

Another building history concerns the Church of the Divine Heart of Jesus. It was built between 1930 and 1932 as a single-nave church with a presbytery. A three-storey tower stands on the right side of the façade. The description “single-nave” refers to the church’s main space; the presbytery and tower complete this clear architectural layout. This makes it possible to distinguish the church by its design from the older church in the cemetery, which had neither a tower nor bells.

The Marian Chapel on Krížny vrch was built in 1913–1914. Chaplain Imrich Jonáš initiated the project; local winegrowers and residents of Podlužany and Hronské Kľačany built it using their own funds. The features described include a small stone altar and a Baroque-style statue of the Virgin Mary holding the dead Jesus, taken down from the cross, in her arms. The chapel thus links the story of its construction with a specific example of religious art.

Perec, Folklore and Local Amenities

The Perec drainage canal was built in 1634 in the immediate vicinity of Hronské Kľačany and is also known locally as Kompa. Its name refers to a distinctive feature of the local landscape’s history. There is also a public fire pit by the water installation behind the school grounds; local fire safety regulations apply.

The Hron folk group’s past performance history is also part of the village’s cultural identity. The group performed in Krakovany and Piešťany in 1975, in Myjava in 1976, and at Fašiangy. The locations and years listed offer a concrete glimpse into the group’s activities at the time, without implying a current performance schedule.

Markets and Travel Planning

The Hodový jarmok is planned annually for June, including in the area around the mill. Farmers’ markets are scheduled for March at the cultural centre. Demonstrations of traditional crafts and food and drink options—including restaurant, snack and catering services—are also planned at the market venues. Check the specific dates for the year in question before your trip.

In December 2020, Hronské Kľačany became a founding member of the Tekovsko-hontiansky cykloregión, together with Levice and Starý Tekov. One of the association’s goals is to develop a cycling route that will connect all participating municipalities. Hronské Kľačany also has a railway stop called Hronské Kľačany. If you plan to travel by train, check the service for your travel date.

When searching for a hotel in Hronské Kľačany, the market period you have in mind can be a useful starting point: farmers’ markets are planned for March and the Hodový jarmok for June. If you would like to plan your overnight stay around one of these events, first check the dates for your travel year.

Discover more destinations: Tekovský Hrádok, Žemberovce, Podlužany, Levice, Horné Semerovce, Veľké Turovce, Ipeľský Sokolec, Veľké Kozmálovce.

For the broader travel overview: Levice.