Windmill in Holíč. (source: SME/Jozef Ryník)
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Visitors to Slovakia’s westernmost district, Skalica, would do well to begin their journey in Holíč, a border town steeped in history and flavour. You can explore this district through our Trnava Region guide. One of the best places to start – especially if you are feeling peckish or in need of a drink – is Wywar Brewery, a family-run establishment easily spotted from the main road.
Owned by the Kadlec family, this brewery not only serves high-quality craft beer but also dishes up hearty meals and oven-baked pizza. They have named their restaurant Jozef II – paying tribute to the Austrian emperor, son of Maria Theresa. Both she and her husband, Francis of Lorraine, left their mark on the town; Francis was instrumental in establishing Holíč’s first factories and farms, some of which still operate today.
“Don’t miss the restored duck house (kačenáreň),” urges Martin Kadlec, one of the four brothers who run the family business.
In the village of Kopčany stands one of Slovakia’s most remarkable historic sites – the Church of Saint Margaret of Antioch. (source: SME/Jozef Ryník)
Duck house and church in a field
The Kačenáreň building, located near the village of Kopčany, dates back to the mid-18th century and was originally used for catching ducks.
Three years ago, it was in ruins, but following restoration, it now serves as an information centre for tourists and provides access to the nearby Church of St Margaret of Antioch. The attic houses archaeological finds from the surrounding area.
A helping hand in the heart of Europe: a travel guide to Slovakia.
Last year, the duck house also offered refreshments for tourists during the season, albeit only at weekends. Kadlec notes that the buffet is not operating as well as it could and draws a comparison with the village of Mikulčice, just across the border on the Czech side.
Martin Kadlec is the co-owner of Wywar Brewery in Holíč. (source: SME/Jozef Ryník)
The castle in Holíč has been under reconstruction for years. (source: SME/Jozef Ryník)
“It’s a different world; they have better facilities for tourists, including a restaurant and a lookout tower,” says the entrepreneur. Mikulčice is best known for its archaeological park, home to ancient monuments and a Slavic hillfort from the Great Moravian era.
One advantage is the cycle path near the duck farm, which allows tourists to reach the reconstructed imperial stud farm in Kopčany or cross the Morava River via a cycle bridge to Mikulčice.
Holíč Castle has unexpected neighbours
From the brewery, visitors can head to Holíč Castle. This impressive structure, encircled by defensive walls and a moat, has been undergoing renovations for several years.
In the 18th century, the castle was owned by Francis of Lorraine, who used it as a temporary residence. Although the main castle building appears worn, with its façade still awaiting restoration, the surrounding structures have been renovated. The former stables now serve as the tourist information office.
Inside, a pleasant room houses two employees at work. One of them kindly explains to visitors that the other renovated buildings include a wine bar and a café and that only one wing of the castle has been restored. This section houses the city museum, where visitors can also explore the chapel and the extensive castle cellars.
When asked about the sign prohibiting the feeding of nutria (a beaver-like animal) in front of the castle, Zuzana Miklovičová from the tourist office smiles and explains that the animals had multiplied in the moat and were causing problems for the castle.
With the Trnava region travel guide in hand, you’re sure to find that “Little Rome” is larger than life and ready to welcome you with open arms (and mead)!
“They are damaging the ramparts and gnawing on the ropes of boats used for sailing along the moat,” she tells The Slovak Spectator.
Observation tower in Holíč offers a stunning view of the town. (source: SME/Jozef Ryník)
Additionally, Holíč is home to the only preserved windmill in Slovakia. Next to it stands a charming lookout tower, offering views not only of the surrounding landscape but also of a large Jewish cemetery. This town in Záhorie, a region in western Slovakia bordering the Czech Republic and Austria, was once home to one of the largest Jewish communities in the country.
What is worth seeing in the Skalica district
Skalica
St George Chapel: A Romanesque building from the turn of the 12th and 13th centuries, offering a lovely view of the city.
Franciscan Monastery: Features a charming courtyard and a kitchen where Skalický trdelník, a local pastry, is still made in the traditional way.
Culture House: An Art Nouveau building designed by the renowned architect Dušan Jurkovič.
Ice House: A historic cellar once used for food storage.
Pilárik Brothers Mill: A reconstructed technical building with functional milling machines.
Zlatnická dolina: A recreational area ideal for cyclists. In summer, there is also a swimming pool.
Kamenná búda: A mountain hut nestled in the heart of the White Carpathians.
Kopčany
Duck Farm: A mid-18th-century farm building originally used for catching ducks.
Stud Farm: The grand former stud farm of Francis of Lorraine, still offering horse-riding services.
Church of St Margaret of Antioch: The oldest church in the Záhorie region.
Holíč
Holíč Castle: A vast castle developed from a medieval water fortress.
Windmill: One of the oldest preserved brick windmills in Slovakia.
Lookout Tower on the Ridge: A 17-metre-high observation tower offering panoramic views of the town and surrounding area.
Unín Hillfort: One of the most picturesque hillforts in western Slovakia.
Roháče in Západné Tatry (Western Tatras) (source: Miroslav Mäsiar)
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