Nána: Protected Area, Memorial Sites and Church Architecture

Nána lies at the confluence of the Hron and the Danube; the municipality’s western boundary extends to the Danube. The village’s character, reflected in its heritage sites, includes a nature reserve, several memorial sites and a church with its own architectural history. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Nána, these different themes can help you decide what to focus on during your trip.

Vŕšok and the River Landscape

The Vŕšok protected area was established in 1965 to protect rare xerothermophilic flora and fauna. The specialist term describes plants and animals adapted to warm, dry conditions. The area is subject to the fourth level of protection and is also part of the European Natura 2000 network of protected areas. Vŕšok therefore combines a specific conservation history with a protected status that remains in force today. In 2007, the municipality put up an information board at Vŕšok. Those who want to discover Nána beyond its memorial sites will find a second point of interest here: the protection of rare plant and animal life.

Memorial Sites and Local Remembrance

Nána’s World War Memorial stands in the village park. It was erected in 1939 to commemorate those who fell in the First World War and the ten young people shot by Czech legionaries in 1919. On 21 August 2016, a Turul, an ancient Hungarian symbol, was added to the memorial. The statue is by sculptor vitéz Csák Attila from Páty. The memorial thus brings together its 1939 construction and a later addition with its own date.

The Trianon Memorial Stone is also located in the village park. It was erected in 2010 to mark the 90th anniversary of the Trianon Peace Dictate. Since it was erected, locals have gathered there every year on the Day of National Togetherness; people from other places occasionally join them. Csemadok’s annual programme of events in Nána also includes 15 March, observed since 1991; Heroes’ Day, commemorating those who fell in the war; the Trianon commemoration, held since 2016; the St Stephen’s Day celebration, held since 2010; the commemoration of the Martyrs of Arad, held since 1992; and the lighting of candles to commemorate the 1956 Revolution, held since 2006.

Further memorials add to this local history. A memorial column to the right of the church was erected in 2007 to mark the 850th anniversary of Nána’s first written mention. The Ősi Magyar Kapu stands at the church entrance and commemorates the village’s 855th anniversary in 2012. The local Csemadok organisation has also erected twelve memorials in the village. At anniversary celebrations organised by the group, wreaths are laid and candles lit at a memorial site in Nána.

Church and Viewpoint

The Kostol sv. Vendelína church was built in 1791 by converting an older Baroque chapel. It is a Neoclassical, single-nave church with a roof turret and continues to serve its religious purpose. Check access before visiting in person. The building’s history distinguishes the present church from its predecessor: the 1791 building originated as an older chapel.

The Gerendás lookout tower was built in 2011 above the grounds of the Gerendás Pension. It offers a relatively beautiful view of the grounds, with the panorama of the small Burda Mountains in the background. Štúrovo and the Basilica of Esztergom can be seen in the distance. Cellar tours with wine tasting are also available at Gerendás by prior arrangement. Visitors can sample barrel-aged and bottled wines in an atmospheric vaulted cellar. Arrange your visit in advance if you plan to include this activity.

Discover more destinations: Šarkan, Svodín, Dvory Nad Žitavou, Ľubá, Radava, Jatov, Michal Nad Žitavou, Úľany Nad Žitavou.

Go to the broader travel overview: Nové Zámky.