Sekule can be explored through two distinct themes: its forest and river landscapes, and its crafts and architectural history. Walks or mushroom picking in the pine forests sit alongside the wildlife of the floodplain forests along the Morava; churches, a chapel and a museum offer a glimpse of other aspects of the region. This distinction can be helpful when planning your trip and searching for a holiday apartment: consider whether you mainly want to spend time outdoors, explore cultural themes or combine the two.
Pine Forests and River Landscapes
The pine forests near Sekule are well suited to walks and mushroom picking. Deer and wild boar can be found in the floodplain forests along the Morava. This brings two specific types of landscape into focus: the pine forest, associated with these activities, and the floodplain forest along the river, with the wildlife mentioned above. If walks or mushroom picking are what you’re looking for, the pine forests offer a clear starting point; the floodplain forests add the Morava to the nature theme.
The confluence of the Morava and Dyje lies within the cadastral area of Sekule. Here, Czechia, Austria and Slovakia meet in a small area at a tripoint. The Morava also offers a route for cyclists: a cycle path runs along the river in the direction of Devín and continues to the point where the Morava flows into the Danube. Alongside walks in the forests, this gives you a specific geographical location and a direction for a cycling route as different ways to explore the landscape.
Churches, a Chapel and Architectural History
The Roman Catholic Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary is a historicist Neo-Gothic basilica dating from 1878. The church grounds also contain a polychrome Baroque monument to Saint John of Nepomuk, dating from 1797. The two dates offer a tangible comparison: the church is from the 19th century, while the monument is from the late 18th century. Those interested in architectural styles and religious art can view the two works as distinct historical highlights.
Another site of cultural and historical interest is the Funeral Chapel of the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin Mary. It has a medieval core and houses a folk-style wooden Pietà. The chapel grounds also contain stone grave crosses from the 18th century, dating from the Baroque period. Here, a medieval core, a wooden sculpture and Baroque grave markers come together as distinct features of the chapel grounds.
Museum and Sekule Ceramics
The Sekulské múzeum presents the past of Záhorie through traditional costumes, ceramics and historical household objects. Its exploration of the region’s past is paired with a practical introduction to crafts: visitors can watch Sekule ceramics being made and try working at the potter’s wheel or decorating the pottery. You can choose between watching and taking part; both activities focus on the same ceramic craft.
Pilgrimage Route and Fair
The Kristkova Podyjská glyptotéka is an artistic and philosophical pilgrimage route connecting five regions in three countries. Since 15 August 2015, a reconstructed version of Kristek’s glyptotheque, “Hľadajúci – organické formy,” has been located in Sekule. A route with a wider regional reach and a specific, dated installation in Sekule thus add two distinct cultural themes.
The Sekulský jarmok remeselníkov is an annual crafts fair. Its programme includes live music, dance performances and demonstrations of traditional craft skills; the fair also offers regional specialities and refreshments. If you’re planning to make the fair the occasion for your trip, check the dates for that year’s event.
Discover more destinations: Podbranc, Moravský Svätý Ján, Plavecký Peter, Smrdáky, Šaštín-Stráže, Šajdíkove Humence, Lakšárska Nová Ves, Osuské
For the main travel overview: Senica.
