Veľké Ripňany – Culture, History and Music

Veľké Ripňany brings together an early local history with church architecture, music and a water reservoir. Veľké Ripňany is mentioned in written records as early as 1156.

Churches and Local History

The Kostol sv. Jána Nepomuckého reflects a sequence of different periods: the church was originally built as a Baroque church in 1692 and remodeled in the Classicist style in 1853. Its main altar dates from 1804. The altarpiece of Saint John of Nepomuk also dates from 1804 and is by František Schona. The construction, furnishings and later remodeling therefore belong to different periods.

The Roman Catholic church Kostol Ružencovej Panny Márie in Behynce followed a different course. It was first built as a chapel in 1905 and converted into a church in 1998. While the Kostol sv. Jána Nepomuckého was built as a Baroque church in 1692 and later remodeled in the Classicist style, this building began its history as a chapel.

Music and Exhibitions

Music is represented by two distinct points of reference. The RIPFEST music festival has been held annually in Veľké Ripňany since 2006. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the dates for your travel period. The Slovak folk ensemble Slovenský folklórny súbor Ripín was founded around 1986 or 1987. Alongside the festival, the ensemble offers a separate connection to the local folklore and music history. Two points of reference help put the music in context: RIPFEST has been held annually since 2006; the ensemble's founding around 1986 or 1987 was roughly two decades before the festival began.

In 2021, a public exhibition titled Mohyly z doby bronzovej vo Veľkých Ripňanoch was prepared at the Veľké Ripňany Community Centre. The title refers to Bronze Age burial mounds in Veľké Ripňany and adds an archaeological focus to the themes of churches and music. The Zastávka Community Centre is located in the former railway station building.

Water, Rail and Activities

The Veľké Ripňany water reservoir covers 18 hectares. This provides a water-related focus to consider when planning a trip, alongside architectural and cultural history.

Veľké Ripňany is a stop on the railway line between Radošina and Zbehy. If you plan to travel by train, check the timetable before your trip, as schedules can change.

Training at the Veľké Ripňany (Behynce) motocross track is subject to a fee and requires advance registration. If you are planning a training session at the track, check in advance whether it will be operating during your travel period and what the registration requirements are.

Plan Your Stay

First set your travel dates and reason for visiting, then search specifically for hotels for your planned stay.

Discover more destinations: Preseľany, Čermany, Krušovce, Orešany, Šalgovce, Súlovce, Biskupová, Ludanice

Go to the overview of the wider area: Topoľčany District.