(source: Archív - visitprievidza.sk)
The district town of Prievidza, nestled in the historic Upper Nitra region, offers more than just its industrial heritage. Tucked between its historic streets and forested outskirts are hidden gems inviting both locals and visitors to explore.
As part of the In the Footsteps of Prievidza project, a newly promoted trail introduces two panoramic viewpoints, providing a peaceful and picturesque outing suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
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The circular trail begins near the municipal cemetery on Mariánsky Vŕšok hill, a scenic spot also home to the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary—one of the city’s most photogenic landmarks. The starting point is easily accessible by car, with parking available at the cemetery, or by city bus.
The first viewpoint is located on Mariánsky Vŕšok itself, where visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the Vtáčnik mountain range, the Banská memorial, and parts of Prievidza’s historic centre, including the winding Handlovka River. The site features benches, a double cross, and educational panels offering insight into the area’s geography and history.
From here, the trail continues along the Mariánska Castle Path, lined with eight information boards highlighting local landmarks and points of interest. The path winds through a narrow alley in Skotňa Park, eventually reaching a natural rock opening beneath the hill—a local curiosity shrouded in legend.
According to folk tales, this cave-like space once served as a secret escape tunnel from a labyrinth beneath the former Prievidza Castle, allegedly stretching as far as the Piarist monastery—or even Bojnice Castle. In reality, it functioned as a cellar for one of Prievidza’s earliest two-storey homes, known as "Heaven", and later as a storage space for the now-defunct Carpathia food factory. While accessible, entry is at your own risk.
The trail then follows Cesta pod Skalou (literally "Path Beneath the Rock"), branching onto an unpaved forest track that climbs gently towards the Kopanice housing estate. Emerging between rows of panelák apartment blocks, the route leads directly to the nearby forest park.
There, not far from a public amphitheatre, stands a modest wooden lookout tower—an unexpected reward at the end of the walk. Built in 1985, the structure stands three metres tall on concrete pillars and is reached by a flight of seventeen steps. From the top, walkers are treated to tranquil views over Prievidza's suburban fringes and the Handlovka River below. Wooden trail markers on trees guide the final stretch of the route.
The full loop covers roughly seven kilometres and is suitable for casual walkers, children, and anyone seeking a gentle outdoor escape. Both viewpoints are also reachable by public transport—one at the cemetery bus stop, the other near the forest park—making this one of the most accessible nature walks in the region.
©My Horná Nitra
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