Sokolovce: Park, Baroque and the Váh

Sokolovce between the Váh and Považský Inovec

Sokolovce lies about 7 km south of Piešťany on the left bank of the Váh, where its left-bank floodplain meets the southwestern part of the Považský Inovec mountain range. The Sĺňava Reservoir forms a natural boundary of the municipality. Part of the municipal area lies within the Sĺňava Natura 2000 Special Protection Area for Birds (SKCHVU026). The protected area covers 691 ha and was established to protect aquatic habitats and breeding bird species.

Park, cycle path and a trip on the Váh

The renovated southwestern part of Sokolovce Park is open to the public for recreation and outdoor activities. It has a nature trail, a restored pavilion, play equipment and an outdoor fitness area. The park offers everything from a nature trail to facilities for exercise and play. Check local conditions before your visit.

The cycle path on Piešťanská Street in Sokolovce is 1.2 km long. It was built in two stages in 2020 and 2021. If you plan to use it, check the current route conditions locally.

For a guided trip on the Váh between Sokolovce and Hlohovec, a bus transfer first takes you from Hlohovec to the starting point in Sokolovce. You can choose from inflatable or plastic canoes, a raft and a paddleboard. Before setting off, you will register, receive water sports equipment and boats, and get a briefing on the itinerary. Plan this as a guided trip and check dates and availability before travelling.

Manor house, church and local history

Sokolovce Manor House is a Baroque-classical building dating from the mid-18th century. A tower was added in the second half of the 19th century. The grounds include a park enhanced by David Horn, with a pond and protected rare trees, especially plane trees and two copper beeches over 200 years old. The manor house is currently privately owned and in very poor condition; check access in advance. It was formerly used as a psychiatric hospital.

The Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross was originally built in the Baroque style from 1768 to 1770. Above its entrance, a niche holds a Baroque statue of Our Lady of Sorrows dating from 1700 to 1706. The organ also has its own history: Ján Mocke made it in 1755, and around 1786 it was brought to Sokolovce from the Trinitarian monastery in Trnava—probably after Joseph II dissolved the monasteries.

Near the parish church stands a Baroque Calvary group. It is believed to have been moved there from an original location that has not yet been identified. In the past, Sokolovce’s traditional church fairs were marked by pilgrimages in honour of the local Virgin Mary; pilgrims came from the wider surrounding area.

The history of the municipal area goes back further than the surviving buildings: traces of settlement from the Early Stone Age have been found here. Finds from the Early Iron Age, including the La Tène period, also come from the area. There is also a Germanic grave dating from the 3rd century AD. These different periods add to the picture of the town’s Baroque architectural history.

Discover more destinations: Vrbove, Ostrov, Ducové, Krakovany, Trebatice, Chtelnica, Prasnik, Moravany Nad Váhom.

Return to the regional travel overview: Piešťany District.