Beša: Churches, Nature and Regional History

Beša combines prominent landmarks of local history with sacred architecture, regional life and landscapes in the surrounding area. The first written mention of the village dates back to 5 July 1292. An unusual discovery is also part of the local memory: a commemorative plaque now marks the house in the village centre where the remains of a mammoth skeleton were discovered during the construction of the cellar in 1902.

History

Archaeological traces date back to much earlier periods. A hoard of bronze objects from the Late Bronze Age was discovered in the area of Beša. Roman-Barbarian settlement finds also came to light. A Slavic inhumation cemetery from the 10th to 11th century is likewise located in the area of Beša. The more recent development of the village is connected with transport: the first train passed through Beša railway station on 25 September 1914.

Culture

The Reformed Calvinist church in Beša is part of the village’s architectural heritage. It was built in 1793 on its present ground plan; its current appearance dates from renovations carried out in 1903. Three bells hang in the tower, one of which comes from the church of the abandoned village of Mochovce.

Another prominent church is Kostol sv. Anny. The Baroque church, built in 1770, bears heritage register number 12170/1. Its structure comprises a single-nave space, a presbytery with a segmental apse and a projecting tower. Kostol sv. Anny is in good condition and continues to be used for its religious purpose.

Nature

The protected Turkey oak Bešiansky cer (Quercus cerris) stands in Bešianska cerina. This tree offers a broad view of the surrounding area. The wetlands near Beša are also among the notable natural attractions. They can be reached via a short detour from the cycle route to Podhájska.

Another connection to the surrounding area is route 5525M, which runs through Trávnica, Beša and Bardoňovo. Since 2007, gatherings and races for off-road and special-purpose vehicles have been held on prepared off-road tracks in the hills of Bešianska pahorkatina. The event grounds are located near the football field.

Community Life

Organised football in Beša dates back to the founding of the Sokol Beša football club in 1949. A sports complex with a covered grandstand was built between 1973 and 1974. The cultural centre is used for cultural and social events, which are also open to the wider public from the surrounding area.

The Bešianske hody village celebrations are also part of the local annual events calendar. Traditional disco events and entertainments take place during these festive days. Twice a year, motorcyclists meet in Beša before continuing together to the pilgrimage site of Studnička, where they attend Mass.

Agriculture and winegrowing have long been among the local sources of livelihood in Beša. Thus, alongside the historic buildings and natural attractions, the village landscape also reflects the activities that have shaped the community’s everyday life over a long period.

Other destinations: Šahy, Pukanec, Brhlovce, Lok, Santovka, Vyškovce Nad Ipľom, Žemberovce, Tehla

To the main travel overview: Levice.