Hronský Beňadik is the second oldest abbey in Slovakia - the first written record dates back to 1075 in the deed issued by King Gejza I. The dominant feature of the monastery is its Gothic cathedral with a monumental entrance portal flanked by statues, cross vaults, and pointed arches.
Architect F. Storn is the author of current neo-Gothic decoration which replaced the original decoration of the cathedral destroyed by fire in 1881. The original mural paintings are represented by a preserved fresco depicting Saint George slaying a dragon. The oldest monument is the 11th-century baptismal font made of stone and preserved from the original Romanesque Basilica. A separate chapel houses a precious relic of the Holy Blood of Jesus, a gift of king Matthias Corvinus to the benedictine abbey in 1483.
Practical information:
Open all year round except Mondays. The abbey organizes guided tours every day. For up-to-date information on opening hours and guided tours, check the website of the abbey: Tourist Information Office of Benedictine Abbey and Cathedral. A grand circuit ticket (cathedral, chapel, abbot's residence, granary) costs 5 EUR and 3 EUR for adults and children, respectively. The small circuit ticket (cathedral and chapel) is available for 2 EUR and 1 EUR for adults and children, respectively.
The Baroque Roman Catholic Chapel of Holy Blood located on the Háj hill between the town of Hronský Beňadik and its borough "Psiare". The chapel was built in 1713 in gratitude for protection and to commemorate the epidemic of bubonic plague that struck the area between 1709 and 1713. It features an octagonal floor plan and a dome vault ceiling. The central painting of the main altar flanked by columns is the scene of Crucifixion by K. Jakobey (dated 1876). There is a separate article about the chapel and its site.
Practical information:
A yellow signposted trail leads tourists to the chapel from the abbey, in direction to town of Tlmače along the main road, on the right-hand side. The walk is easy, with a slightly rising terrain. It takes only half an hour to reach the chapel. You will pass two viewpoints on the left, which you can reach from the trail via narrow pathways. Both viewpoints are on the cliffs and offer beautiful views. One leads to a cross.
The chapel is open during the masses and worships occasionally held there. The chapel is surrounded by a pleasant environment, a small mowed meadow, and benches to relax and enjoy the sunshine. The fireplace gives you the opportunity for a yummy barbecue stop. A site definitely recommended for trips with children.
Hronský Beňadik is the sole village in our region known for its viticulture and vineyards. Even the first written record of the cultivation of grapes in our territory comes from this village. You will find vineyards and wine cellars under the Kliča hill. An enjoyable walk will take you there on pathways passing by cottages followed by wine cellars. There are beautiful views of vineyards, the surrounding hills, and the abbey on your way up. If you are lucky, you may even be able to enter a wine cellar. There is a statue of Saint Urban, the patron saint of winemakers, at the end of the trail.
Practical information:
The vineyards can be accessed by car following the Janovská Street which changes into a composite road after you take the turn after the last house. The next section is also suitable for cars. However, we recommend that you take a walk from the abbey, or from the village. The round-trip (walking) takes approximately one hour. Combine it with other tips for trips in Hronský Beňadik.
The vineyards form the entrance to the hike up Kliča hill. You will bump into the trail just below the statue of St. Urban. The trail is not signposted, but is quite visible looking up the hill. It mainly leads through the forest, with only its first part going through meadows and lush vegetation. The hill is crowned with an iron cross, and views of peak Veľký Inovec. If you are lucky, you may also see local animal species, such as does. You might even meet wild boars. We recommend you take the same route to return, instead of trying to find for the trail marked on the map (hiking.sk). You will very likely fail to find it, and end up on animal crossings, even in thick shrubbery. Coming across wild boars may not turn out well.
Practical information:
The way up and down to the hilltop takes approximately one hour. Go back the same way you came. If you decide to follow the trail marked on the map, be very careful, and check the map on your mobile phone.
The Jewish cemetery is located at the exit of the village in the direction of the town of Nová Baňa. It is recommended as the first or the last stop of your trip to Hronský Beňadik.
Little is known about the cemetery. The cemetery was completely abandoned and neglected until recently. Since 2020 it has been landscaped, cleared of trees and is regularly mowed. It comprises up to 38 tombstones, some still erected, some lying on the ground. A relatively large Jewish community lived in Hronský Beňadik, and was destroyed by the transfers of all Jewish inhabitants to concentration camps during World War II. Only two inhabitants survived, but neither of them returned to the village. If you visit the cemetery, put a pebble on a tombstone. It is a sign that you have been there.
Practical information:
The cemetery gate is at the entrance to the village on the right next to the welcome board (coming from the town of Nová Baňa). It is open to the public.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Hronský Beňadik is a village located between the towns of Tlmače, Zlaté Moravce, and Nová Baňa.
Village accessibility: by car on the R1 motorway, by passenger trains and fast trains on the rail lines Bratislava – Banská Bystrica, Bratislava – Košice (southern route) or by buses headed to the towns of Levice, Tlmače, Zlaté Moravce. We recommend using the website http://www.cp.sk to find a suitable transport option.
