Vinohrady Nad Váhom: Vineyards, Wine Cellar Buildings and Churches

Vinohrady nad Váhom lies in the Danubian Lowland on the western edge of the Nitra Hills. The western part of the municipality lies in the broad floodplain on the left bank of the Váh; grapevines grow on the slopes facing southwest. These are complemented by a long winemaking tradition, traditional wine cellar buildings and historic religious buildings—different themes that reveal the character of the village.

Winemaking and Traditional Architectural Forms

Winemaking shapes more than just the slopes: growing grapes and making wine for personal use have a long tradition in Vinohrady nad Váhom. Among the surviving traces of this local culture are wine cellar structures called “hajlochy.” These three-room buildings are made of clay and whitewashed. Their single-axis façades and gabled roofs covered with reeds complete their distinctive architectural form. The “hajlochy” thus offer a tangible glimpse of traditional building methods associated with the village’s winemaking.

Settlement History and Pilgrimage Sites

The settlement of Rautz, later called Svätá Chrasť, is mentioned in King Coloman’s Zobor document, dating from before September 1, 1113. Another historical milestone is the Church of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary (“Navštívenia Panny Márie”): it dates from the mid-17th century and was built in the Late Renaissance and Baroque styles. It was first mentioned in writing in 1695. Historically, it was a popular pilgrimage church. The Chapel of St. Urban was also a pilgrimage site; it was built in 1728. The early mention of the settlement, the church’s construction period and the year of its first written mention refer to different stages in the history of the village and its buildings.

Nature Reserve and Landscape

The Dubník National Nature Reserve (NPR Dubník) is located in the cadastral area of Vinohrady nad Váhom; part of it extends into the cadastral areas of Dvorníky, Pusté Sady and Zemianske Sady. The reserve is an ornithological area established to protect the little owl. In a deforested landscape, it also preserves a rare and unique remnant of a natural forest community from the group of southeastern European forests, which includes protected species. The nature reserve thus brings together the protection of a particular bird and the preservation of a distinctive forest remnant. The area around Vinohrady nad Váhom also offers good conditions for hiking and water sports.

Cycling Route and Nature Trail

The green cycling route 5212 passes through Vinohrady nad Váhom on its way from Hlohovec to Sereď. It is 20.8 kilometres long, an easy recreational route for road cycling, and paved. The “Náučný chodník Hlohoveckými vinohradmi” nature trail leads to Vinohrady nad Váhom and the Church of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary (“Navštívenia Panny Márie”). It is 22.3 kilometres long and has an elevation gain of 150 metres. When comparing the routes, their different details are useful in addition to their lengths: the cycling route specifies its difficulty rating and surface, while the nature trail specifies its elevation gain. Check the cycling route conditions and the latest route information for the nature trail before setting out.

Wine Tasting

VÍNO CHUDÝ offers guided, expert wine tastings in a tasting room. The room normally accommodates 16 people and, after adjustments, up to 30. If you are planning a tasting, check availability before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Vinohrady Nad Váhom, Vlčkovce, Špačince, Galanta, Vieska, Váhovce, Veľké Kostoľany, Štefanov.

Return to the main travel overview: Trnava.