Špačince: Churches, Calvary and a hiking tradition

Špačince lies in the northern part of the Trnava Hills. The character of the village brings together a protected landscape, religious buildings and places of remembrance, and a long-standing hiking tradition. If you are looking for a hotel in Špačince, these highlights can help you match the destination’s character with your travel interests. Its historical traces range from archaeological finds to an annual long-distance hiking event.

Landscape and nature conservation

The Krupanský potok stream flows through Špačince. The protected Špačinsko–nižnianske polia bird area also includes part of the village’s cadastral territory. It was designated, among other reasons, to ensure conditions for the survival and reproduction of the saker falcon. The landscape is thus defined by both a named watercourse and a specific conservation objective. For travellers interested in landscapes and species protection, the explicit focus on the saker falcon is a particularly notable detail.

Church and architectural history

The Roman Catholic church in Špačince is dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. Its history dates back to the Middle Ages: the original church was Gothic and was built in 1312. Part of the original presbytery survives as the Chapel of the Virgin Mary. When the old church was demolished in the spring of 1939, the tower, sanctuary and Chapel of Saint Anne were preserved at the request of the heritage office. The church’s history therefore reveals different building phases and how parts of the older structure were treated.

Calvary and other historical traces

Next to the cemetery is the Calvary, dating from 1797, which includes a Baroque cross. Fourteen stations were erected there in 1873, and images were painted in the stations in 1930. The statue of Christ the King is also a dated monument: it stands on the road to Trnava, dates from 1678 and is protected by the heritage office. Other finds point to earlier periods. Archaeological finds from the Neolithic period, dating to around 7000 BC, were discovered in the Peňažité area. A silver coin from the time of the Roman Empire was also found in Špačince. In 1699, the village received town privileges and the right to hold market fairs.

Pochod ŠPCH: hiking and cycling

A special highlight is the long-distance hiking event Pochod ŠPCH – Špačinskí pekní chlapci. The local tourist club has organised it since 1985, and the march has taken place every year since its first edition. Cyclists have also taken part since 1992. They may ride a separate route, but, like the hikers, they must pass through all the checkpoints. These conditions clearly distinguish participation by bicycle from hiking: cyclists may take a different route, but the checkpoints are part of the event for both groups. If the event date could work for your trip, it is advisable to check the dates in advance.

Getting there and choosing where to stay

Špačince is connected to the main road network via Route II/560, which runs between Trnava, Dolné Dubové and Dechtice. This gives you a specific road connection to use when planning your trip. When choosing a hotel, you can also consider whether church history, the protected landscape or the hiking tradition matters most to you. These themes offer different ways to shape a stay in Špačince, rather than appealing to the same travel interests.

For the broader travel overview: Špačince.