Modrý Kameň offers several distinct interests for a stay: a protected castle complex, the history of puppet theatre and various nature attractions. These include Calvary, woodland steppe and chestnut groves.
Culture among the castle, museum and church
Hrad Modrý Kameň is a valuable protected heritage site. The ruins of the upper castle are structurally connected to the manor house in the adjacent outer bailey. The three-winged Baroque manor house was built in 1730 on the remains of the fortifications in the outer bailey. The ruins, manor house and remains of the fortifications give the complex several historical points of interest.
The Museum of Puppet Theatre Cultures and Toys offers a distinctive cultural perspective: its exhibition on puppet theatre provides insights into the history, development and present-day practice of this art form. The museum also includes the permanent exhibition “Hračky na Slovensku v 20. storočí”. Check whether it is currently on display before your visit. Puppet theatre and toys thus offer a different way to explore the town’s culture than the castle’s architectural history.
Another historical highlight is the Roman Catholic, Neo-Romanesque Church of St Anthony of Padua. It dates from 1879. The church also contains votive objects from the 18th century. The church building and these objects therefore point to different historical periods and complement the castle’s architectural history with another place that has its own story.
Calvary, chestnuts and woodland steppe
Modrokamenská Kalvária invites you to enjoy a peaceful walk in nature. At the foot of Calvary, the faithful traditionally attend services during the Easter holidays; a Marian pilgrimage takes place at Calvary in September. Dates may vary from year to year. If you are planning to come specifically for a service or the pilgrimage, check the dates before your trip.
The chestnut groves are another distinctive feature of Modrý Kameň’s landscape: the town has one of the largest chestnut groves in the country. This feature adds a particular connection to the local landscape to the nature experiences around Calvary and the woodland steppe.
The Modrokamenská lesostep protected area is located in the cadastral territory of the municipality of Modrý Kameň, in the Veľký Krtíš District of the Banská Bystrica Region. It was designated in 1986 and covers 12.1200 ha, protecting natural thermophilous woodland-steppe and forest communities in the Krupinská planina. Modrokamenská lesostep is considered an easy outing and is also suitable for children.
Getting to the castle
Hrad Modrý Kameň can be reached by car. From Modrý Kameň, it takes about 20 minutes to get there on foot. The walking time is approximate; check current conditions before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Horná Strehová, Dačov Lom, Dolné Príbelce, Ďurkovce, Veľká Čalomija, Lesenice, Balog Nad Ipľom, Malé Zlievce.
For the broader travel overview: Veľký Krtíš District.
