Smolinské – Churches, Chapels and Village History

Smolinské brings together several layers of local history: religious buildings and monuments dating from the late 17th to the 20th century, as well as a Marian column, a Calvary complex and a memorial plaque commemorating religious and literary history. The gently rolling landscape and a protected bird sanctuary complement the cultural and historical focus with nature and landscape themes.

Landscape and Other Local Sites

Smolinské lies in the Chvojnická pahorkatina, at the transition between the Záhorská nížina and the Myjavská pahorkatina, and in the valley of a tributary of the Myjava. The terrain within the cadastral area is gently rolling. The flat section consists of windblown sands, while the hilly landscape is characterized by Neogene deposits covered with loess. The protected Záhorské Pomoravie Bird Protection Area also includes the cadastral area of Smolinské. It was established to protect the habitats of bird species of European importance as well as migratory birds.

Another local site is the Poľovnícky, športový a spoločenský areál PZ Smolinské. It is located in a wooded area on the northwestern edge of the village, within the cadastral area of Smolinské. The grounds of the Poľovnícke združenie Smolinské association include an approved shooting range for the “PARCOUR” discipline.

Church and Architectural History

The Kostol Svätého Jakuba church was built in 1720 on the site of an older Gothic church. It was extended in 1924, taking on its present appearance. The tower remained largely unchanged during this renovation. The building thus reflects the earlier Gothic history, the 18th-century church construction and the 20th-century extension. Kostol Svätého Jakuba has been restored. The church and its new altar were consecrated on 14 November 2004.

Chapels and Places of Remembrance

Two chapels represent different periods and styles of construction: Kaplnka Najsvätejšej Trojice was built in the Gothic style in 1820; Kaplnka Panny Márie Lurdskej was built in the Neo-Gothic style in 1891. The bell tower in the centre of Smolinské dates from the late 18th century. The Marian column was erected beside the bell tower in 1678. After being damaged in a car accident in 1979, it was re-erected in front of the parish building in 1988.

The stone Calvary complex stands beside the village church. At its centre is a cross with Christ; the statues of the Virgin Mary and Saint John the Evangelist are placed separately. The layout combines a central cross with two independently positioned figures.

Literature, Courtyards and Religious Tradition

A memorial plaque commemorates the poet and literary critic Tichomír Milkin, whose given name was Ján Donoval. He worked in Smolinské from 1902 to 1920. About 15 Haban courtyards have survived in the village to this day. In the 18th century, viticulture was one of the activities of the local population. While the courtyards have survived to the present day, viticulture belongs to the history of the 18th century.

A procession currently takes place once a year on Corpus Christi, passing through the entire village. It runs from Kostol Svätého Jakuba church to Kaplnka Panny Márie Lurdskej chapel. If the date matters for your travel plans, check it in advance. Šaštín-Stráže, an established pilgrimage destination, lies three kilometres north of Smolinské. Every year, thousands of believers from Slovakia and Moravia gather there.

Discover more destinations: Osuské, Podbranc, Lakšárska Nová Ves, Šaštín-Stráže, Kúty, Sobotište, Hradište Pod Vrátnom, Moravský Svätý Ján.

For the wider travel overview: Senica.