The Church of Sts. Cosmas and Damian stands on a hill above Kšinná. The village lies in the southern part of the Strážov Mountains, in the valley of the Radiša stream and at an altitude of 350 metres. Church art, early settlement traces and routes in the Závada district offer different ways to explore the area.
Church Art and Local History
The Church of Sts. Cosmas and Damian dates from 1230 to 1250 and is listed as a cultural monument in the Central Register of Monuments of the Slovak Republic. Inside is a layer of 14th-century wall paintings. The south façade also features a monumental depiction of Saint Christopher with the Christ Child. The paintings offer both a glimpse of the church interior and a distinctive detail on its exterior façade.
If you would like to visit the interior of this church, you must contact the municipal office in Kšinná. Arrange your visit in advance. Archaeological traces are also significant to the area’s history: excavations have uncovered a Neolithic settlement and an urn field of the Lusatian culture dating from the Late Bronze Age.
The Evangelical church in Kšinná represents another period of architecture and art. This single-nave church is Neoclassical and dates from 1814. Inside is an 18th-century altarpiece depicting the Resurrection. Together with the older church, it offers a way to place different periods of architecture and works of art in the context of the village.
Hiking Trails and Winter Activities in Závada
Závada pod Čiernym vrchom is a district of Kšinná and a starting point for hikes in the Nitrické vrchy. From there, a green-marked trail runs via Capárka (924.1 m) to Valaská Belá. A blue-marked trail leads to Chata pod Čiernym vrchom. Capárka is marked as a waypoint on the green route, while the blue route is identified by its destination at the Chata.
Winter sports are also available in Závada. Two ski lifts are located on the northeastern slope of Plešivec (722.5 m). Ski Park Závada pod Čiernym Vrchom has one large and one small lift; the smaller one is suitable for children and beginners. The ski park has two intermediate runs, with a stated run length of 1,010 metres. Check before travelling whether the ski lifts are operating.
Local Traditions and Your Stay
The Bukovina folk group draws its folk material from Kšinná and regularly organises a carnival procession through the village. Its first programme, in 1971, was the traditional Kšiňanská svadba. The Jánske ohne in Kšinná was announced for 2026 for the 34th time. These different events offer insight into local traditions, although they do not all have to take place during the same travel period.
When looking for a holiday rental, you can choose the focus of your stay according to your interests: churches and local history in Kšinná, or hiking trails and skiing in Závada. For a shorter trip, this distinction can help you make your preferred activity the focus of your plans.
Discover more destinations: Slatina Nad Bebravou, Pochabany, Malé Hoste, Pravotice, Veľké Držkovce, Pečeňany, Veľké Hoste, Zlatníky.
For the broader travel overview: Bánovce Nad Bebravou.
