Stará Turá: Trails, Museums and Architectural History

Stará Turá brings together hiking trails, protected nature and architectural and museum history. The differences between a short educational trail, a longer hike and cultural attractions can help you plan your stay around your interests.

Hiking options for different time frames

The Drgoňova–Durcova dolina educational trail is 4.9 km long, has an elevation gain of 100 m and takes about 1.5 hours. It includes four stops and four information boards. As an easy route, it is also suitable for families with small children. For a longer hike, a yellow-marked trail leads from Stará Turá railway station to Holubyho chata on Veľká Javorina in about 3.5 hours. Check local trail conditions before setting out.

The Pavúkov jarok natural area

The Pavúkov jarok protected area covers 22.49 ha, is part of the European Natura 2000 network of protected areas and is subject to the fourth level of protection. It protects floodplain meadows and relatively well-preserved waterside woodland with abundant populations of Maculinea butterflies. If you are planning a visit, check local access rules and observe the protection regulations.

Towers, a church and a Calvary

Stará veža, also known as Husitská, is the oldest surviving building in Stará Turá: a three-storey stone tower. The Evangelical Church of Tolerance combines Classical elements with a Baroque influence; galleries run along three sides. The two buildings display different architectural features to look out for when exploring the town’s history.

The Calvary is located in the Roman Catholic Drahý Cemetery. Fourteen Stations of the Cross line its access path. The Calvary complex also includes the Neo-Gothic Chapel of the Holy Cross, with a semicircular end. A cultural and historical walk lets you take in both the Stations of the Cross and the chapel’s architecture.

Museums and their themes

The Museum of the Roy Sisters is dedicated to literary and music studies and to the social and spiritual work of Mária and Kristína Royová. Visits can be arranged by prior phone or email appointment; check the current visitor arrangements in advance.

At the Railway Museum, you can try a Morse apparatus, view old timetables and learn more about railway operations in past decades. The exhibition covers the Veselí nad Moravou–Nové Mesto nad Váhom railway line and the surrounding branch lines. As visiting arrangements may change, check the current access options in advance.

The Stará Turá Town Museum displays fossils, remains of Quaternary mammals and archaeological finds from the Stone and Bronze Ages. Individual exhibits may change. The ethnographic section explores the development of crafts, guilds, trade and occupations in Stará Turá.

Local history and getting there

The history of bryndza cheese is also connected with Stará Turá: according to local tradition, Slovakia’s first bryndza makers came from the town. Ján Vagač, a butcher and merchant from Stará Turá, founded Slovakia’s first commercial bryndza dairy in Detva in 1787.

Stará Turá railway station continues to serve as a railway stop. Check current train services before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Modrová, Nová Bošáca, Hrádok, Nove Mesto Nad Vahom, Hrachovište, Višňové, Vaďovce, Beckov.

Return to the regional travel overview: Okres Nové Mesto Nad Váhom.