Šintava on the Váh: Castle history and wine tradition

The built-up area of Šintava lies on the left bank of the Váh. The river connects two defining themes of the town: the historic crossing, around which the hillfort and water castle developed, and today’s leisure and sporting activities on the water.

Hillfort history and St. Martin’s Church

A settlement dating from the Iron Age already existed at the site of Šintava, near the crossing of the Váh. Later, a Great Moravian hillfort centre protected the crossing and laid the foundations for the medieval water castle. The first documented mention of the castle dates from 1042. A description from 1423 records it as having two ring walls and three towers. The history of printing is also linked to the castle: under the protection of Július Salma, a printing press was established there in 1573, described as the first in Slovakia.

The Roman Catholic Church of St. Martin is a Baroque-Classical building dating from the second half of the 18th century. Its history, however, goes back further: the parish of St. Martin is documented in 1234, and the church existed by the 12th century at the latest. Its location connects it to the town’s older layout. The church stands at the highest point of the former hillfort; its terraces are still visible along Hradná, Sereďská and Dlhá streets.

Exhibitions at the municipal office

The ŠINTAVSKÁ IZBA and ŠINTAVSKÍ KOŠIKÁRI museum exhibitions are located in the meeting room at the municipal office in Šintava. Both are open during office hours. Plan your visit within these hours and check them in advance so you can arrange access accordingly.

Leisure on the banks of the Váh

The Lodenica complex 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 steersperson and a drummer. If you are interested in taking part, arrange it with the club.

In addition to children, the rowing club also welcomes adults who are interested in rowing. Check directly with the club about current membership before visiting. Another way to explore the river is the 21 km leisure route connecting Hlohovec and Šintava along the left bank of the Váh. A route with an educational focus is also provided by a section of the eastern branch of the Hradná cesta, which runs through the Trnava Region; check the route conditions before setting out.

For fishing, Bagrovisko near Šintava is an 8.8-hectare carp fishing lake. Fishing is permitted there year-round, subject to the applicable closed seasons. Follow the fishing regulations in force. The lake offers its own connection to the waterscape, while Lodenica and the rowing club showcase the leisure and sporting character of the Váh’s banks.

Wine and local traditions

Svätourbanská koštovka is a recurring wine tasting held on the grounds of the Šintavan winery in Šintava. At the 2025 event, visitors could taste 20 to 30 wines. In 2025, visitors could also tour the winery’s production facilities during Koštovka and the Burčiak Party.

The recurring Šintavské vinobranie features an allegorical procession, cultural performances and exhibitions of fruit, vegetables and flowers. Another annual tradition is Stavanie mája: on the last day of April, local recruits erect a Maypole in the village square, accompanied by the Šintavanka brass band. If you would like to plan your stay around one of these festivals, check the specific dates and programme in advance.

Discover more destinations: Veľké Úľany, Pusté Úľany, Tomášikovo, Veľký Grob, Trstice, Gallandau, Zemianske Sady, Horné Saliby.

Return to the main travel overview: Galanta.