Scharnowitz: Castle History, Calvary and Excursions

In Scharnowitz (Žarnovica), buildings from different centuries stand side by side. Its history spans a medieval church and a fortified castle, as well as a more recent Calvary. A forest nature trail, Revište Castle and Zveropark also offer different starting points for planning a trip. When choosing a date for a visit, distinguish time-specific offerings from historical attractions that are there year-round.

Church and Castle: History in Several Layers

The originally Gothic Roman Catholic Church of St. Peter and Paul was built around 1400. It was destroyed during the Turkish raid of 1647 and was not rebuilt until the end of the 17th century. A portal from the ruins of Revište Castle’s chapel was incorporated into the church wall for preservation. The church’s architectural history thus also leads to a detail from the history of Revište Castle.

A Gothic palace or castle previously stood on the site of Žarnovica Castle. This earlier fortification served as an outpost of Revište Castle. The castle itself dates from around the turn of the 16th century; according to historical sources, Filip Dóczy built it in 1490 on the older foundations of a fortified castle. This makes it possible to distinguish different phases in the history of fortification at the same site.

The castle is also recorded as a meeting place: in 1666, the assembly of Tekov County met there. An earlier written reference to Žarnovica dates from 1332. The list of papal tithes names Frederick, a priest from St. Nicholas Church. These records point to different periods and contexts rather than focusing on a single episode in the town’s history.

Calvary and Views of Žarnovica

The Calvary is on a small hill at the southwestern edge of town, next to the cemetery. Its Stations of the Cross follow a simple path through the trees and consist of 14 chapels or stations. The site was created in 2001 with donations. At the summit, three wooden crosses stand in front of the Neo-Gothic Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, built in 1895.

The area around the summit offers views of Žarnovica and distant hills. The chapel is usually closed, so do not plan on visiting its interior. The combination of the Stations of the Cross, crosses and chapel gives the Calvary its distinctive character, while the view takes in the landscape beyond the town.

Circular Trail, Wildlife Watching and Revište Castle

The Kľakovou Valley Forest Nature Trail is open year-round as a self-guided circular route for walking and cycling. Its themes bring together history, forestry and natural history. It offers a different way to explore these subjects from visiting historic buildings.

At Zveropark in Revištské Podzámčie, you can watch animals, see a small waterfall and a fish-rich lake, and enjoy a meadow for picnics; the park is home to more than 40 animal species. Individual offerings and the number of species may change, so check what is currently available before your visit. If you also plan to visit Revište Castle, it is about a 30-minute walk from the village of Revištské Podzámčie. This is an approximate walking time; check trail conditions before setting out.

On May 9, 2026, Revište Castle hosted the sixth Glgáč Ceramics Festival. Potters from the surrounding area demonstrated traditional crafts, and visitors could try pottery themselves, including throwing clay on a potter’s wheel. This information refers to the 2026 edition; plan a specific visit around the announced event dates.

More Ideas for Your Trip

For motorsports enthusiasts, the venue is easy to locate: the Žarnovica Speedway Stadium is in the town’s sports complex, Mestský športový areál, Bystrická 37, 966 81 Žarnovica. If a visit there determines your travel dates, check in advance whether an event is scheduled during your stay.

The production of millstones is another part of the town’s history. They were used to grind grain for markets in the Žiarska kotlina basin; some of the products were transported down the Hron River to lower-lying parts of the country. This craft and trade add another dimension to Žarnovica’s architectural history.

Discover more destinations: Malá Lehota, Župkov, Rudno Nad Hronom, Nová Baňa, Hodruša-Hámre, Horné Hámre, Hrabičov, Hronský Beňadik, Kľak, Ostrý Grúň, Tekovská Breznica, Veľké Pole, Voznica, Brehy, Žarnovica, Orovnica.

For the regional travel overview: Banská Bystrica.