Sebechleby lies on the Krupinská planina; viticulture and folk architecture are among the village’s cultural themes. In the settlement of Stará Hora, which belongs to Sebechleby, lies the folk architecture reserve. There are around 130 winegrowers’ houses and wine cellars there, 87 of which are classified as national cultural monuments. Together, they provide a vivid focus for anyone interested in architectural styles and the traditions of viticulture.
Winegrowers’ Houses and Cellars in Stará Hora
The protected folk architecture includes one- and two-room winegrowers’ houses with columned arcades, as well as cellars hewn into the tuff. Stará Hora is therefore associated not only with individual historic buildings, but is also part of Sebechleby as an entire reserve. The different types of houses and the cellar architecture give the place a distinct cultural focus. The original wine cellars in Stará Hora can be visited; individual access arrangements may vary. If you are planning a cellar visit, confirm the specific arrangements in advance.
Churches and Architectural History
Sebechleby’s churches also display a range of architectural features. St. Michael’s Church belongs to the Baroque tradition of sacred architecture. Its interior has a single nave, and the presbytery ends in a polygonal apse. The presbytery windows retain Gothic tracery from the 15th century; the furnishings also include a Neoclassical organ dating from 1898. The Baroque Chapel of St. Urban in Stará Hora was built in 1732. The village thus brings together different architectural styles and historical details, from the tracery in the church windows to the chapel in the reserve.
Museum, Customs and Viticulture Culture
The Sebechleby–Stará Hora Ethnographic Museum is part of the folk architecture reserve. It presents traditional costumes, folk traditions and customs passed down through generations. The idea for the small museum emerged in 2003, with the aim of depicting Sebechleby’s past way of life and traditions. The museum thus complements the built heritage with the village’s cultural themes.
The Geľovianka folklore group is dedicated to the customs, songs, dances and costumes of Sebechleby and the Hont region. Its repertoire also includes grape processing and vineyard work. Together with the municipality and the local association, Geľovianka organizes the Svätourbanské slávnosti in Stará Hora every year on the feast day of St. Urban, the patron saint of viticulture. This festive occasion brings local culture together with viticulture, but does not indicate what will be on the programme of other events.
Tastings and Events
A visit to the St. Urban Cellar includes a tasting of local wine paired with a typical local dish; tasting arrangements may vary. The tourist information office in Stará Hora can also arrange tastings. It provides visitors with information and guided tours in July and August, and can arrange tours of the museum or the folk architecture reserve. Before travelling, check whether these seasonal services are available during your visit and confirm any arrangements you would like to make.
Oberačka po Sebechlebsky is a festival of viticulture, traditional gastronomy, tourism and entertainment. The 2025 edition’s programme included a tour of tuff cellars as well as tastings of varietal wines and burčiak; these programme items specifically refer to that year. The Svätourbanské slávnosti is a separate event: it takes place every year on the feast day of St. Urban, the patron saint of viticulture, in Stará Hora. If a festival is an important part of your trip, check the specific dates for your visit.
Discover more destinations: HornĂ˝ BadĂn, Terany, SĂşdovce, Zemiansky Vrbovok, Medovarce, Drienovo, RykynÄŤice, KozĂ Vrbovok.
For the wider travel overview: Krupina District.
