Jabloňovce: Fortified Church and Landscape of the Štiavnické vrchy

Jabloňovce lies in the Štiavnické vrchy, in the basin of the Jablonianka stream. The village combines a distinctive church-historical site with a hilly landscape whose elevations, rocks, and wooded areas are clearly defined. The Husitský chrám, dating from 1459, is particularly prominent. Together with the paths around Varta (Stráž), the tuff-like cellars, and local events, this creates a destination where nature, history, and regional everyday culture meet within a compact thematic area.

Landscape

The municipal area of Jabloňovce lies between 247 and 574 metres above sea level. Its predominantly deforested, hilly surface consists of tuffs, tuffites, and andesites; only the higher part is wooded. In this landscape, Jabloňovce in the Štiavnické vrchy offers opportunities for woodland walks and mushroom picking as outdoor activities. The mushroom season is especially pronounced in August and September.

Culture and History

The courtyard of the Husitský chrám is enclosed by a fortified wall, also dating from 1459, with loopholes. In the courtyard stands a Tolerance Linden from 1782, with a trunk circumference of just under 6 metres. A Tolerance Bell Tower, also dating from 1782, stands nearby. The shingles on the fortified wall and on the stone entrance gate to the grounds of the Evangelical church building in Jabloňovce were also renewed, preserving its authentic appearance. A memorial plaque in Jabloňovce recalls that Martin Kukučín wrote the novella Mišo there.

Varta and the Hiking Route

Mount Varta (Stráž) offers views of Jabloňovce and the more distant former royal free town of Pukanec. The hand-hewn cellars on its western slope near Jabloňovce were probably created in the 18th or 19th century. They were used to store wine and fruit from the vineyards and orchards on the slope; some of the cellars are still accessible. The Jabloňovce–Bátovce hiking route leads over Varta (Stráž), past the tuff-like cellars, through the Pečenická dolina valley, to the Borovica viewpoint, the Bátovce reservoir, and the Baroque bridge over the Sikenica.

A Visit to Babkin Statok

At Babkin Statok, visitors can go horseback riding and buy ceramic products. Walks around the farm and its surroundings are also possible. Basset hounds, goats, and cats are also kept on the premises.

Local Flavours

Jabloňovský kotlík is a goulash-cooking competition held repeatedly. The 11th edition took place in 2023; a 13th edition is also recorded. The 13th edition was to include the tasting and judging of cauldron specialities, as well as wild boar goulash, beer, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and Perky.

More Destinations

To explore other places in the same regional context, you can then visit Sikenica, Vyškovce Nad Ipľom, Veľké Turovce, Bielovce, Tekovské Lužany, Krškany, Tehla, and Kalná Nad Hronom.

For the broader travel overview: Levice.