In Rudno nad Hronom, mining history and church architecture are among the defining historical themes; Drastvica adds a protected woodland landscape to the picture. The red-marked Rudná Magistrála starts in the municipality and runs partly through the forests of Drastvica. This brings together industrial heritage, sacred architecture and natural landscapes for trip planning.
Mining history between mine tunnels and water engineering
The mining history goes back a long way: rich gold mines were already known in Rudno nad Hronom in 1331. One technical reminder of this history is the BanÃcka Å¡tôlňa Anna Božena mine tunnel complex. Construction began in the mid-18th century. The complex is more than one kilometre long and drains an interconnected mine system across eight levels. There is also a recreation area near the mine tunnel complex.
Water engineering also served the mining industry. Nový tajch was built in 1789 to power mining facilities and ore crushers. Near Nový tajch, remains of the dam and its original stone outlet can still be seen. The mine tunnel and tajch thus point to different technical functions: drainage in one case, and powering mining facilities in the other.
Parish church and chapels
The parish in Rudno nad Hronom is one of the oldest in the region and is mentioned as early as 1337 in the papal tithe records. The Baroque-Classical Kostol sv. Imricha parish church was built in 1802–1803 on the site of two older churches. Its tower was added in 1887 and given a Neo-Gothic design. The church therefore reveals two distinct building phases: the construction of the church itself and the later addition of the tower.
The mining chapel BanÃcka kaplnka sv. Joachima a Anny is in the upper part of Rudno nad Hronom, near the Anna-Božena mine. Another chapel, Kaplnka Srdca Panny Márie, was built on a hill above the village in 1899–1900. It offers sweeping views of the surroundings and is even visible from Nová Baňa in the distance.
Drastvica: forest, protection and trails
Drastvica old-growth forest covers about 150 hectares around the 834-metre summit of Drastvica. It extends mainly across the southern slopes to Veľký Žiar, at 856 metres. Drastvica lies between the villages of Voznica and Rudno nad Hronom. Its oak forests provide a natural habitat for silver fir; the oldest sessile oaks are about 400 years old. The area is under the fifth level of nature protection.
The red-marked Rudná Magistrála starts in Rudno nad Hronom and runs partly through the forests of Drastvica. Along the way, it passes the remains of the castle on Ivankovo Hill (Hrádok). Another trace of the area’s castle history is the ruin of Rudno Castle above the municipality, dating from the 13th century. A castle ruin in Rudno nad Hronom is also part of the Pohronská hradná cesta, the castle route along the Hron.
Pilgrimages and seasonal events
A pilgrimage is held each year on the feast day of the patron saints of the mining chapel BanÃcka kaplnka sv. Joachima a Anny; the date may vary. During the summer months, Masses are celebrated at Kaplnka Srdca Panny Márie chapel, and the current schedule may vary. The Å arkaniáda kite-flying competition is traditionally held in the meadow behind Kalvária. If you would like to plan your stay around a Mass or event, check the relevant dates before travelling.
Planning your trip
If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Rudno nad Hronom, you can plan your stay around its different highlights: mining history and churches on the one hand, and Drastvica and the marked trail on the other. Consider which of these themes matters more for your trip, and factor seasonal events into your plans.
Discover more destinations: HodruÅ¡a-Hámre, Horné Hámre, HrabiÄov, Malá Lehota, Ostrý Grúň, Voznica, Veľké Pole, Orovnica.
See the overview of the wider region: Scharnowitz.
