Beluša among cultural monuments and mountain landscapes

Beluša combines sacred monuments from several centuries with a landscape at the transition to the Slovak mountain ranges. One of the oldest preserved buildings in Slovakia is the Chapel of Saint Fabian and Saint Sebastian, which is also a national cultural monument.

Culture and History

The interior of the Church of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary was decorated in the Baroque style in the 18th century. The main altar features a painting by Jozef Božetech Klemens, created in 1879 as a replacement for an earlier painting, and it continues to dominate the altar to this day. Another early sacred site is the Chapel of Saint Anne in Beluša, which dates from the second half of the 13th century.

An insight into local traditions can be found on the first floor of the Beluša Cultural House on Farská Street: the renovated Izba ľudových tradícií has been open to the public by prior appointment since 28 June 2015. The basket-weaving school is also part of the town's history. As the first school of its kind in Slovakia, it took part in the 1900 World's Fair in Paris. The Jewish cemetery in Beluša contains 92 burial sites, while the Hradište archaeological site is considered the most valuable evidence of settlement in the municipality of Beluša.

Landscape and Rocks

Beluša lies in the northern part of the Ilava Basin, at the transition to the White Carpathians, the Javorníky Mountains and the Strážov Mountains. Rohatá skala, a tourist attraction, is located in the Strážov Mountains. From the summit, views open to the northwest and west over the Javorníky Mountains and the White Carpathians.

A geologically distinctive site is Belušské vráta. It is a short rocky gorge carved by the Slatinský stream into the limestone bedrock of the so-called Manín Overthrust Complex. Belušské vráta can be reached by an asphalt road leading from Belušské Slatiny towards the municipality of Mojtín. Thermal water emerges from a spring in front of the statue group at the grotto in Belušské Slatiny.

Hiking and Regional Trails

Belušské Slatiny offers opportunities for relaxation, hiking and cycling throughout the year. The Cesta básnikov hiking trail runs through the picturesque Slatinská dolina valley and the surrounding forests. The project was initiated by OZ Art Belušské Slatiny and has enhanced the area with interesting rest stops since 2022, mostly benches connected with personalities associated with the area.

In the wider surrounding region, Ostrá Malenica can be reached via a green-marked hiking trail from the municipalities of Slopná or Mojtín. The 46-metre-long Mojtínska Cave is also located in this wider regional area and contains a life-size statue of Saint Joseph.

Spiritual Places

The rock sanctuary on Mount Butkov offers spiritual activities throughout the year. This site also includes hiking opportunities on well-maintained grounds. Studnička pod Lomom comprises a stone Lourdes grotto with statues of the Virgin Mary and Bernadette Soubirous.

Dates and Location

The Belušský jarmok is a local fair held on the last Sunday in June. Beluša's transport connections also shape its geographical setting: the town is conveniently located near a motorway and a railway line.

Other Destinations in the Same Region

Other destinations within the same larger region include Nimnica, Dolná Breznica, Kvašov, Lysá Pod Makytou, Lednica, Horovce and Lazy Pod Makytou.

For the overview of the larger travel region: Púchov.