The Church of St James the Greater is the oldest surviving object in Volkovce. Alongside its architectural history, the town’s varied themes include the history of amateur theatre, the former Volkovčanka folk group and organised hiking events. In this way, cultural and historical connections meet a landscape setting in the Bočovka valley.
Landscape and Location
Volkovce lies in the hills of the Danubian Lowland, in the local subregion known as Hronské pahorkatina. The town is also situated on the southern slopes of Pohronský Inovec, in the valley of the Bočovka stream. Its location therefore brings together three geographical features: hills, a slope and a stream valley. This setting provides the landscape context for the town’s other themes.
Church and Architectural History
The Church of St James the Greater was originally built in the Gothic style. Baroque elements were added between 1750 and 1754. Its presbytery dates from the 14th century. This makes it possible to distinguish a specific medieval date for this part of the church from a later construction phase with Baroque additions.
The presbytery is the part of the church interior intended for the clergy. Its date places part of the church in the 14th century; it should not be confused with the years when the Baroque additions were made. Visitors interested in architecture will therefore find a clear sequence here, from the Gothic origins to later alterations, rather than a building history attributed to just one period.
Amateur Theatre and Folklore
Amateur theatre in Volkovce dates back to 1927. After a 16-year break, rehearsals for a play began again. It was performed in 2000 at the church fair held to mark the 725th anniversary of the municipality’s first written mention. The years 1927 and 2000 therefore mark different milestones: the start of amateur theatre and the later performance of the play rehearsed after the break. Two amateur theatre performances were also performed exclusively by children.
The Volkovčanka folk group offered another form of cultural expression. Its repertoire consisted mainly of local folk songs, but also included songs from the wider area. Performances featured short scenes, such as demonstrations of traditional crafts and ancestral customs. The songs and dramatic elements thus formed a distinct facet alongside the amateur theatre plays.
Hiking Events
As a landscape-based activity, the Turisticko Rekreačný Klub Volkoviec a Závady organises hiking events for members and non-members. If you would like to include one of these events in your travel plans, check the dates in advance. This makes the topic distinct from architectural and cultural history: for a specific hiking event, the date is part of the planning.
Discover more destinations: Skýcov, Beladice, Nemčiňany, Martin Nad Žitavou, Obyce, Goldmorawitz, Ladice, Tesárske Mlyňany
Return to the wider travel overview: Zlaté Moravce.
