Discover Šurany: Synagogue, City Museum and Zámeček

If you are looking for a hotel in Šurany, you can plan your trip around the themes that interest you: sacred architecture, local history, archaeology or leisure. The synagogue with the city museum, the Church of St Stephen the First Martyr and the archaeological site of Zámeček offer different points of interest.

Synagogue and City Museum

The Orthodox synagogue in Šurany is a national cultural monument and was built in 1916. Its eclectic architecture brings together Moorish, Art Nouveau and Byzantine elements. Here, eclectic refers to a design that combines several stylistic influences. If you are interested in architecture, you can consider these influences as distinct features of the building rather than assigning the synagogue to just one architectural style.

After the interior was reconstructed, the synagogue opened to the public in May 2005. It hosts museum and gallery exhibitions, concerts, lectures and presentations. If you are planning to visit for a particular program, check the current schedule and visiting arrangements in advance.

The permanent exhibition of the Šurany City Museum is located on the synagogue’s upper floor. It presents the history of the city and its districts of Nitriansky Hrádok and Kostolný Sek, from prehistoric times to the 20th century. The archaeological finds on display include objects from Zámeček—the “Slovak Troy”—in Nitriansky Hrádok, as well as finds from the site of Šurany Castle. The museum therefore covers both the history of the districts and specific archaeological sites.

Also on display is a working clock mechanism: a tower clock dating from 1887, from the church in Šurany. It extends the focus beyond archaeological finds to include a technical object with a clearly stated year of origin.

Church and Historic Monuments

The Church of St Stephen the First Martyr has basilica-like architecture. It also has the largest stained-glass altar window in Slovakia. At the synagogue, several architectural influences take center stage; at the church, the focal points are its basilica-like design and stained-glass altar window. These offer two different ways to explore Šurany’s cultural history.

Another historical landmark is the Marian plague column with a statue of the Immaculata. It commemorates the plague epidemic of 1709–1710. These dates tie the monument to a specific event and set it apart from the construction dates and architectural features of the religious buildings.

Zámeček and the Hrádocká Venus

The archaeological site of Zámeček is in the Nitriansky Hrádok district of Šurany. It is one of the region’s most significant historic sites, with importance extending beyond the city limits. The monument to the Hrádocká Venus was erected in 1997 and is a large replica of the Neolithic Hrádocká Venus. The year refers to the erection of the monument, while the figure it depicts is Neolithic.

The main information board at the archaeological site has been renewed. On May 10, 2025, the city also announced a signpost at the bridge on Topoľová Street, intended to improve wayfinding and access. If you plan to visit Zámeček, check the current signs and conditions at the site in advance.

Plan Your Leisure Time and Journey

The TONA recreational area offers residents of Šurany and the wider surrounding area opportunities for relaxation and leisure. Fishing services are available there, and cultural, social and entertainment events are held. TONA therefore offers a different focus from the museums and archaeological sites. If you plan to visit the area, check the fishing services, events and seasonal schedules for your travel dates; services and access may change.

Šurany is connected to the surrounding area by rail and bus. If you are also choosing a hotel based on how you will get there, check current services and timetables for your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Ľubá, Branovo, Strekov, Tvrdošovce, Chľaba, Rastislavice, Michal Nad Žitavou, Podhájska.

For the broader travel overview: Nové Zámky.