Trenčianske Bohuslavice: Prehistory, Chapel and Nature

Trenčianske Bohuslavice brings together evidence from widely separated eras with a clearly defined natural feature. The most distinctive are a Paleolithic site, the chapel with its Rococo frescoes, and the Hájnica nature reserve. A cycling route and a hiking trail also offer different starting points for planning your trip.

Prehistory and the archaeological site

The Paleolithic archaeological site lies on a low loess terrace above the Bošáčka stream, at the site of a former brickworks. Archaeological investigations documented a dwelling hut with a posthole and hearth there. These specific findings add detail to the period: during the Upper Paleolithic, a mammoth hunter lived at the site; the tools are attributed to the Gravettian and dated to the period from 32,000 to 23,000 BC. Thus, a cultural phase and evidence of a dwelling structure come together at one location.

Traces from the Bronze Age

Another chapter of early history is represented by a Bronze Age hoard discovered below Turecko in 1904. It comprised 95 items with a total weight of 4.88 kilograms. Compared with the Paleolithic site, the hoard points to a different focus: here, it is a Bronze Age assemblage; there, it is the attribution of tools and evidence of a dwelling with a hearth from the Upper Paleolithic.

The historical references thus span the Upper Paleolithic, the Bronze Age hoard, and the 18th-century chapel. The year 1904 marks the discovery of the hoard, not its Bronze Age dating. This distinction is important for understanding the timeline: dating and discovery refer to different points in time.

Chapel and Rococo frescoes

The chapel “Kaplnka Nepoškvrneného počatia Panny Márie” was built from 1760 to 1763 as part of a manor house. Its Rococo frescoes date from 1763 and were painted by Franz Anton Maulbertsch. The construction period from 1760 to 1763 and the year 1763 for the frescoes allow for a concise chronological overview: the wall paintings date to the final year of the stated construction period. The chapel thus combines architectural history with a dated artistic embellishment.

Hájnica: Nature reserve and flora

North of Trenčianske Bohuslavice, the southern slopes of the Hájnica ridge form the nature reserve of the same name. The area is characterized by grassland and warmth-loving flora; spring pheasant’s-eye is relatively common there. This distinguishes Hájnica from the archaeological finds and the chapel: the focus here is on the landscape and plant life.

Cycling and hiking

A cycling route along the Naprieč Považským Inovcom long-distance cycle route leads to Trenčianske Bohuslavice and passes the chapel there; hiking trail 5141 starts at the railway station in the village. The two route descriptions have different emphases: for the cycling route, the destination and the passage by the chapel are specified; for the hiking trail, the starting point at the railway station is given. Before cycling, check the signs and surface conditions; before hiking, check trail conditions and markings.

Regional culinary connection

The Bošácka Valley lies in the wider area around Trenčianske Bohuslavice and is associated with the tradition of Bošácka plum brandy. This link to the valley adds a regional culinary perspective to the local cultural and natural themes.

Discover more destinations: Kálnica, Višňové, Moravské Lieskové, Nove Mesto Nad Vahom, Hrachovište, Považany, Vaďovce, Horná Streda.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Nové Mesto Nad Váhom.