Veľká Ves: Discover churches, Skalica and Konteska

Veľká Ves combines a distinctive valley location with churches from different eras and the viewpoint at Konteska. The history of the place can also be traced through specific buildings and documented events. If you are considering Veľká Ves as a travel destination, you can focus on its landscape, architecture or views—depending on which of these aspects you would like to get to know better.

Between the valley and Skalica

The municipality lies in the northern part of the Lučenecká kotlina, in the valley of a left-bank tributary of the Kriváň stream. Veľká Ves is situated below Mount Skalica. The cadastral area extends from 210 to 340 metres above sea level. The cadastral area covers elevations from 210 to 340 metres above sea level; the built-up areas of the municipality are not all at the same elevation. This places the valley, stream and mountain alongside one another in the local landscape, without implying a particular route or walking time.

Konteska and views across the region

The abandoned settlement of Konteska lies north of Veľká Ves and belongs to the municipality. There is an observation tower at Konteska. From there, the described view extends to the Mátra Mountains on the Hungarian border, to Lučenec and Kalinovo, and to surrounding municipalities. The actual range of visibility depends on the weather. The observation tower was opened to the general public in July 2025, following its legal approval. In 2025, access on foot, by bicycle or by car was listed as possible; check local conditions before setting out.

A pavilion was also opened at Konteska on 6 June 2015. As this refers to the opening date at that time, it is advisable to check its current condition and access locally. A visit offers a different perspective from the churches in the village: here, the focus is on the views and the location at Konteska. The abandoned settlement itself also remains a point of reference within the municipal area.

Church architecture and local history

The Evangelical church in Veľká Ves was built in 1772 as a towerless Baroque-Classicist toleration church. A tower was added only in 1802. A wooden gallery runs along three sides of the main space, supported by carved columns. Scenes from the life of Christ are painted on wood on its coffered balustrade. The sequence of the original construction and the later addition of the tower illustrates the building’s development. The church is considered well preserved and continues to serve its religious purpose. If you are planning a visit, check access in advance.

The history of the church in the area also goes back a long way: records from 1332 to 1337 mention a parish in Veľká Ves, with the priest Peter at St Nicholas Church. A much later chapter in local history concerns the new Church of the Holy Family. Its foundation stone was blessed on 8 July 2000 by Mons. Eduard Kojnok, Bishop of Rožňava. These two details represent different chapters in the religious history of the place and should be understood in their respective historical contexts.

Events, crafts and nature

The ascent of Skalica took place as its second edition on 6 January 2017 and its third edition on 6 January 2018. Brdárska kapustnica is also associated with individual events: competition teams took part in 2018, and another edition was held in 2022. Both examples form part of the documented event history of Veľká Ves.

Historical local trades included pottery and decorative wheelwrighting. They point to craft traditions, not to a hands-on activity currently on offer. The sessile oak forests and neighbouring fields offer another way to experience the landscape; greylag geese and snipes breed there. Their presence may vary seasonally. Taken together, the historic churches, the landscape around Skalica and the views from Konteska offer different reasons to take an interest in Veľká Ves.

Discover more destinations: Uhorské, Hrnčiarska Ves, Utekáč, Hradište, Kokava Nad Rimavicou, Poltár, Cinobaňa, České Brezovo.

For the broader travel overview: Poltár District.