Priechod: Nature in the Low Tatras and Vibrant Village Culture

Priechod lies in the northern part of the Banská Bystrica Basin, on the southern slopes of the western part of the Low Tatras. The Ľupča stream flows through the entire cadastral area. As a result, the area in and around the village combines a clearly defined mountain setting, a continuous watercourse, and several natural and cultural sites.

Landscape and Nature

About 1 km north of Priechod lies the Brvnište protected area in the Ľupčica Valley. The protected area extends along both sides of the stream. A large and vigorous population of Fatra cyclamen grows there, isolated from its main range in the Veľká Fatra and the northeastern part of the Starohorské vrchy. Another protected area is Kopec. Throughout the area, Ivanov’s feather grass (Stipa joannis) and Fumana procumbens occur only sporadically. Both species are also found only sporadically throughout the territory of the Low Tatras National Park and its protected area.

Culture and History

One of the notable architectural monuments in Priechod is the Chapel of the Archangel Michael. It was built in 1833 and is the oldest architectural monument in Priechod. The altar features a folk wood carving of the Virgin Mary from the 19th century. The Church of the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary has a more recent ecclesiastical history: it was consecrated on 19 September 2021 as part of celebrations marking its 50th anniversary. The parish building from 1995 now houses a monastery of the Order of Discalced Carmelites.

Living Traditions

The Priechoďan folklore group was initially founded in 1968 as a women’s singing group; men joined shortly afterwards. The group has been active without interruption since its foundation and takes part in folklore festivals at home and abroad. Its activities include regular performances and festivals. Priechod is also home to an active amateur theatre ensemble that stages performances at Christmas and Easter.

In Priechod, an event known as “Čô sa stauo v tom Priechode” traditionally takes place on the first Sunday in August: either an annual folklore afternoon or—at five-year intervals, or on round-numbered anniversaries of the folklore group’s founding—a folklore festival. The alternating nature of the event is firmly linked to the respective occasion.

Regional Products and Rural Character

In the 20th century, Priechod was an agricultural and pastoral village and one of the most important sheep-farming centres in Slovakia. After the establishment of the Czechoslovak Republic, women from Priechod sold Oštiepok and Parenica cheeses throughout the country, including as far afield as Prague and Karlovy Vary. Alongside sheep farming and the village’s agricultural and pastoral character, these two cheese specialities remain part of the traditional local history.

Educational Trail and Picnic Areas

The educational trail to the Kamenná–Hrádok archaeological site comprises four stations in total. It follows a dirt track directly to the site of a prehistoric fortification near the “transmitter”. The Ľupčica Valley also has numerous picnic areas associated with barbecuing or roasting food over an open fire.

Further Destinations

For further exploration, follow the links to Poniky, Lučatín, Badín, Horná Mičiná, Malachov, Tajov, Motyčky, and Brusno.

For the overview of the wider travel region: Banská Bystrica District.