Veľká Čalomija: Churches, Museum and Pustý kostol

The Ipeľ flows through Veľká Čalomija and also forms the border with Hungary. The village’s history can be read in its medieval sacred architecture, 20th-century churches, memorial sites and local cultural offerings. When planning your trip, you can consider these highlights separately: architectural history, local collections and outdoor activities each offer a different perspective.

Pustý kostol north of the village

Pustý kostol lies north of Veľká Čalomija in a small wooded area. Archaeological investigations dated the single-nave Romanesque church to the first half of the 13th century. Its apse faces east. “Single-nave” describes a church interior with one nave; the apse complements this simple layout. Information boards mark the site along the main road and at the church, which is reached by a prepared road. Check local conditions before setting out.

A medieval bronze aquamanile depicting an armed horseman on horseback was found nearby in 1947. The object is held at the Stredoslovenské múzeum in Banská Bystrica. The findspot and the museum are therefore two distinct stops in the object’s history, which you can keep separate when exploring the area’s archaeology.

Church architecture and memorial sites

The Roman Catholic Church of the Virgin Mary was built in 1911 in the Secession style. Its interior wall painting has been restored; the original painting was created by Gyula Ádám in 1932. The Evangelical church was built in 1934 to plans by a Czech architect and incorporates Hussite architectural elements. Together, they represent different construction dates and stylistic influences: the Catholic church’s Secession style and wall painting, and the Evangelical church’s Hussite elements.

Local memorial sites include the renovated grave of Polish soldier Andrzej Paruch in the municipal cemetery and plaques commemorating Polish refugees from the Second World War. A single grave and plaques commemorating a group represent different forms of remembrance.

Village museum and grounds

The local village museum opened in 2009 and consists of three rooms. Its collection includes antique furniture, contemporary folk costumes, photographs, pictures and tools used by earlier generations. Clothing, everyday objects and visual materials sit side by side, offering insight into various aspects of village life in the past.

The museum grounds include a summer kitchen, a brick-vaulted cellar, a shaft well, a pond, a courtyard oven and a shelter. The facilities are used for barbecues, entertainment or quiet relaxation. The grounds combine architectural features with opportunities for social gatherings and peaceful visits.

Cultural events, bunker and activities

Various cultural events are held every year in the local amphitheatre. Both the stage and the audience seating are covered. If you would like to include an event in your trip plans, check the specific dates in advance.

Another structure with a military history connection is the reinforced-concrete bunker built in 1937. It served to protect the former Czechoslovak border and was used as a light fortification during the Second World War. The bunker was reconstructed in 2021 and is currently open to visitors; confirm locally in advance whether a visit is possible.

The municipality’s paved and unpaved roads are suitable for sports activities. Kayaks and canoes, along with the necessary equipment, can be hired at the boat landing by prior arrangement. The options depend on what you have in mind: exercise on land trails or an arranged rental for activities on the water.

Discover more destinations: Obeckov, Dolná Strehová, Kováčovce, Ďurkovce, Ľuboriečka, Stredné Plachtince, Dačov Lom, Malé Zlievce.

View the broader travel guide: Okres Veľký Krtíš.