Širákov – Wine Tradition, Landscape and Sacred Heritage

In Širákov, the centuries-old cultivation of grapes and wine production have shaped the local culture, the character of the landscape and everyday life. Geographically, Širákov is located in the Ipeľská kotlina basin at the southeastern foot of the western part of the Krupinská planina.

Landscape

The southern part of Širákov’s cadastral area consists of hilly terrain with flat, dissected ridges formed from younger Tertiary deposits. In the northern part, the area rises steeply to a marginal ridge of the upland. This marginal ridge consists of andesitic tuffs of volcanic origin. The cadastral area is predominantly covered by oak forest.

Winegrowing

Širákov is one of the cadastral areas with the largest vineyard areas in the Veľký Krtíš District. Širákov has vineyards at elevations above 400 metres. In a local vineyard in Širákov, both nobles from Širákov and nobles from neighbouring Kamenné Kosihy owned vineyards.

Culture

The Chapel of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary in Širákov dates from 1900. Several original stone houses from the 19th century with characteristic thatched hipped roofs have been preserved in the village. The roofs project over the courtyard and are supported by wooden posts.

Many of these traditional buildings had deep cellars carved directly into the ground or tuff, which served for the maturation and storage of local wine. The sacred sights of Širákov include a bell tower in the cemetery. Wayside crosses and wayside chapels are also part of the local sacred heritage.

History

Širákov was first mentioned in 1303 under the name Kezew.

Surroundings

The ruins of Stará Huta and Mount Mackov Vrch are located in the surroundings of Širákov. In the wider regional surroundings are Mount Babka, Mount Belakova and Mount Kosová, as well as the Kúlyika Church.

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Further destinations: Malý Krtíš, Slovenské Ďarmoty, Vinica, Veľké Straciny, Lesenice, Modrý Kamen, Malá Čalomija, Stredné Plachtince.

To the higher-level travel overview: Veľký Krtíš District.