Podlužany lies on the northwestern edge of the Ipeľská pahorkatina, in the valley of the Podlužianka stream. Vineyards are part of the municipal cadastral area and also shape the local cultural history: the statue of Saint Urban is regarded as a symbol of winegrowing in Podlužany. Here, you can encounter both a tangible connection to the landscape and evidence of a long-standing local tradition.
Church and Art History
The Church of Saint Elizabeth was built in 1897 in the Neo-Romanesque style. It stands on the site of a Gothic chapel founded in 1255. Inside is a Baroque polychrome wood carving of the Crucifixion, dating from 1749; the church’s attractively designed interior is another notable feature. Its construction history and furnishings thus reflect different periods: the medieval chapel, the Baroque artwork and the church building of the late 19th century.
The village’s history also includes two statues of saints. The statue of Saint Urban was erected more than 100 years ago and restored and consecrated in 1999. The statue of Saint John of Nepomuk stands at the crossroads towards Hronské Kosihy. It was restored in 1933 and again in the 1990s. In the past, it was believed to protect the village from the Podlužianka stream overflowing. This traditional belief in its protective role is part of the statue’s history.
Traditional Customs and Local Cuisine
The local cultural history is also reflected in festivals and community practices. Dožinky was a celebration marking the end of the harvest work, featuring singing and prayer. Another traditional celebration brought people together to sing and dance after attending church. The two customs have different focuses: one marks the end of the harvest, while the other involves celebrating together after the service.
The Maypole tradition is also recorded in specific detail. On the last night of April, decorated Maypoles were put up in front of the homes of girls who had previously been splashed with water. Another Maypole stood in the centre of the village. Traditional home butchering included making sausages and cooking Hurky and Obary.
Plan Events and Your Journey
The memorial event for Jozef and Vladimír Šebovec and Anton Harmady has been held uninterrupted for 45 years and was also listed in the municipal cultural plan for 2026. The Ing. Jozef Kováč Memorial is a recurring youth football tournament: its 23rd edition took place on 2 July 2023, and this tournament was also included in the 2026 cultural plan. Christmas markets are planned as community events in the municipal development programme for 2024–2032; their dates may vary. Check the specific event dates before your trip.
Podlužany has bus connections to Levice and Tlmače. As timetables may change, check the connection for your travel date. This will help you coordinate your journey and any event dates with your stay.
Discover more destinations: Sikenica, Čata, Devičany, Bielovce, Čajkov, Kozárovce, Jesenské, Žemberovce.
Return to the main travel overview: Levice.
