Skalica: Architectural history, wine and regional experiences

The Rotunda of St. George in Skalica probably dates from the turn of the 12th and 13th centuries; the Romanesque building was later remodelled in the Gothic and Baroque styles. Its upper section was connected to the fortifications and served a defensive function, while the lower section served as a chapel.

Buildings from different periods

The Church of St. Michael the Archangel reflects a different development: in the Late Gothic period, it was converted from a single-nave church into a three-nave basilica. By contrast, the Franciscan Church of Our Lady of Sorrows is a Gothic building dating from the mid-15th century. Its presbytery retains an elaborate Gothic net vault, while the sacristy has rib vaults; the interior furnishings and fittings are Late Baroque. Together, the two churches offer a chance to see both changes in architectural form and different phases of interior decoration.

The Franciscan monastery complex includes the church building, the Paradise Courtyard and a large Franciscan garden. For museum enthusiasts, the Záhorie Museum offers a distinctive architectural point of interest: its permanent exhibition is housed in original rooms on the upper floor, which Dušan Jurkovič designed from 1905 onwards to evoke a farmhouse for a museum.

The Ľadovňa also tells part of the city’s history. This rare technical monument illustrates Skalica’s early modern urban economy. Another building open to visitors is the restored Pilárik brothers’ mill, which is open to the public.

Skalický trdelník and regional wine

A distinctive local speciality is Skalický trdelník. It is prepared using traditional methods in the Black Kitchen of the Franciscan monastery. Vinotéka u františkánov also makes and sells it, and offers guided tastings of regional wines. Those interested in the connection between pastries and wine will find two specific places to explore this in Skalica.

Another distinctive regional product is the protected red wine Skalický rubín. It may be made exclusively from Frankovka modrá, Svätovavrinecké and Modrý Portugal grapes; Frankovka modrá must account for at least 70 percent. The grapes must come from registered vineyards in the cadastral territory of Skalica and in Mokrý Háj, Radošovce, Popudinské Močidlany, Prietržka and Vrádište. These vineyards lie at the foot of Vintoperk and cover approximately 50 square kilometres.

Nature and further information

Near Skalica, the Zlatnícka dolina recreation and tourism area lies at the foot of the White Carpathians. It offers hiking, summer and winter sports, and several cycling routes. In the summer months, visitors can also use a public natural swimming pool. The Veterník nature reserve lies in the cadastral territory of Skalica. The area is designated for the protection of habitats of European importance, including xerothermic scrub, drought-tolerant grassland and shrub communities, lowland and submontane meadows, and alluvial forests. The stag beetle, black-veined white and large-flowered pasque flower are also protected there.

The Skalica harbour on the Baťa Canal allows visitors to board and disembark on the Slovak side. A city tour usually lasts one hour and covers around three monuments, which you can choose yourself. Tours can be conducted in Slovak, English or German; confirm your preferred language when booking.

Your plans for your visit can help guide your choice of hotel: Skalica’s architecture, museum and wine experiences offer a different focus from hiking, cycling routes or winter sports in the surrounding area.

Discover more destinations: Lopašov, Vrádište, Holíč, Skalica, Kátov, Kopčany, Senica, Veľké Kostoľany.

Go to the main travel overview: Trnava.