On the left bank of the Hron, Veľké Kozmálovce brings together a lowland landscape, a reservoir and a varied local history. Water, church architecture and memorial sites offer different ways to experience the village. When choosing your destination, you can consider whether you are most interested in the surroundings of the Vodná stavba or the community’s cultural heritage.

Landscape and time by the water

The entire municipality of Veľké Kozmálovce lies in a lowland. The Hron River is a prominent geographical reference point, alongside the reservoir of the Vodná stavba Veľké Kozmálovce. It is two kilometres long and 300 metres wide. These dimensions give the expanse of water a distinct character alongside the structures and memorial sites that also contribute to the village’s identity.

The area around the Vodná stavba has been used for recreation for several years. There are also opportunities for anglers, and the area is used by people taking part in sports and by sport anglers. Different interests come together by the water: recreation, fishing and sporting activities. If you are planning your stay around a particular theme, you can distinguish this focus from the cultural sites in the village without needing to follow a set order.

Another point of interest for cyclists is the Hájik recreation zone, located on the Pohronská cyklomagistrála cycle route. It complements the connection with the water with an opportunity for cycling. The central public space serves a different purpose: recreation and leisure, as well as municipal, social and cultural events. Water, the cycle route and the village centre offer three different perspectives on Veľké Kozmálovce.

The village centre and its architectural history

The public recreation area in the centre includes a covered stage, a gazebo, an entrance arch and a playground. There is also a covered market hall with a sales counter. These facilities combine places to spend time and enjoy leisure activities with a venue for events. Visitors can therefore consider the central public space as a separate focus, whether their interest lies more in local history or in the surroundings of the reservoir.

The Church of All Saints is an important historic building. It was rebuilt from the ground up in 1752, on a larger scale and in the Baroque style. Inside the church is a life-size wall painting of Jesus and his disciples, dating from 1981. An illuminated cross stands on the tower and is visible from up to five kilometres away. The building’s history, the wall painting and the tower cross each offer a different focus: the church dates back to the 18th century, the painting is a work from the 20th century, and the cross is a landmark visible from afar.

The statue of the Holy Trinity is also part of the village’s history. It stands in the centre of Veľké Kozmálovce, dates from 1937 and was commissioned by local people who had gone to America in search of work. The oldest cross in Veľké Kozmálovce is in Dolný koniec, the southern part of the village; it was erected in 1854. All three crosses within the built-up area are recorded as having been reconstructed in 2008.

The reconstructed war memorial lists those who fell in both world wars. It also commemorates seven unidentified Soviet soldiers who died in the municipality during the passage of the front in the winter of 1944–1945. Together with the statue and crosses, the memorial offers another way to explore local history and remembrance.

Local traditions

The kozmálovský costume is also part of the local cultural heritage and was preserved by residents for a long time. The customs of Veľké Kozmálovce were revived at baptisms, engagements, weddings and carnival celebrations. These traditions add clothing and family and festive occasions to the story told by the church and monuments. Those interested in the village’s history will find not only dated buildings and memorials, but also traces of traditional forms of community life.

Discover more destinations: Pohronský Ruskov, Devičany, Vyškovce Nad Ipľom, Hrkovce, Tehla, Krškany, Ipeľský Sokolec, Jesenské.

For the broader travel overview: Levice.