Do you fancy an ice cream? A glass of wine? Do you enjoy sightseeing and going through an unusual experience? Then visit Modra!
Taste, smell, experience – Modra has something to offer!
When referring to the town of Modra, everyone immediately thinks about the forests, ceramics and delicious wine. But did you know that this small town at the foot of the Little Carpathians is worth of going for ice cream? And that there were many famous people working here? You did not? It’s high time to change it!
There is not one or two, but just six attributes connected with Modra! Modra is a historical, wine-growing, ceramic, cultural and tourist area, but it is also the town of Slovak national awakener – Ľudovít Štúr. Therefore, if you come to visit this vineyard place, certainly you won’t leave it disappointed. Lovers of nature and history, gourmets, winegrowers, ordinary travellers and hunters of unusual experiences will have their field day. Modra has simply something for everyone.
For history lovers – Historical and Štúr’s Modra
The actual history of Modra starts in 1607, when it became a Hungarian free royal town. At the time of the greatest flourish, it was one of the most important towns in Hungary, so it is no surprise that it has become the centre of activity for many Slovak personalities.
The city is undoubtedly associated with Ľudovít Štúr, who lived there for several years and eventually also died there. The codifier of the literary form of Slovak language and the national awakener has his own museum, memorial room, street, square and also sculptural group in the town.
From other personalities, we can mention at least Samuel Zoch – the author of the Martin Declaration and the first modern Bratislava District Administrator, Ferdinand Písecký, as well as Ján Kalinčiak, Dušan Fajnor, … and listing is not over yet. In Modra, there worked a number of church functionaries, pedagogues, artists, writers and poets. Well, the combination of wine and the beauty of the Little Carpathian region was and still is very inspiring.
For all who love to take pleasure – Ceramic Modra
Without a tradition of ceramics production, Modra would not be what it is today. Its history dates back to the 14th century, when the baked clay products were associated mainly with the production, storage and drinking of wine. Under influence of Hutterites, the use of white glaze has been applicated to create the famous majolica, shapes and colour of which are well known beyond our borders. It received domestic recognition in November last year – since that date, the Slovak folk Majolica has been listed on the list of intangible cultural heritage.
For cultural entertainment – Cultural Modra
If you do not have a weakness for wine or feeling for ceramics, you will definitely not be bored in Modra. Here, you can find four churches, the oldest of which is the Gothic Church of St. John the Baptist (which is newly renovated), furthermore, two evangelical churches – Slovak and German, which were built as articular and if you like music, definitely go to some of the concerts in the German church. Finally, there is also Roman Catholic Church of St. Stephan with a sightseeing tower from where Modra is like a pocket handkerchief.
Art lovers should certainly not miss the gallery of the national artist Ignác Bizmayer. This prominent figuralist and ceramist was awarded by Pribin Cross of Class I for his work, and he is the only national artist to have his own gallery during his lifetime. His work is visited by people from all over the world, so you should not omit it either.
Among the important sights we can undoubtedly count city walls, which are among the most preserved in Slovakia. And after a lot of walking, take a break at Štúrovo námestie (Štúr’s Square|, for example in one of the cosy cafés or local wine shops.
And so that we do not forget anything about wine, this delicious beverage is associated with several important cultural events. It is covered by the association of wine-growers of Modra and no year is here without traditional Little Carpathian vintage festival, International wine exhibition Vitis Aurea, and Wine Cellars Open Day.
For sportsmen and nature lovers – Tourist Modra
Placed in the beautiful surroundings of the Little Carpathians, Modra is almost predestined for relaxation, sports and hiking. Two well-known recreation areas will offer you fresh forest air, breath-taking sceneries and plenty of marked walkways.
First of them, Harmonia (Harmony), lies about 2 km behind Modra and the name of this place is not coincidental. In the past, there were climatic and sunbathing spas, today, you can enjoy the beauty of the surrounding countryside on bike, on cross-country skis or just like that – on a walk. Surely, it is also worth to visit the locality of Piesok / Zochova chata (Zoch´s cottage), which can be found 6 km above Modra in the protected landscape area. The beauty of local nature has been revealed by a Club of Slovak Tourists in the past century, which built this legendary Zoch´s cottage.
Speaking about Piesok, we need to mention German woodcutters – the so-called „Holzhackers“ or „Huncokars“. They came to our region in the 18th century at the invitation of the Pálffy noble family, but their culture and customs have remained here up to present – along with their descendants who still live here. You can also visit their cemetery in the Little Carpathians, the only one in the whole of Slovakia.
For lovers of wine and gourmets – Vineyard and vinicultural Modra
In the coat of arms of Modra, there are three straws of grapes, and that’s no coincidence – on the southern slopes of Little Carpathians, the vines have been grown from earliest recorded time. Therefore, it is no surprise that the wine produced in local wineries is appreciated even by the most demanding wine makers. You can (more precisely you must) enjoy the cup of this beverage – the best choice is white dry wine – not only during the traditional vintage, but actually at any time. Visiting Modra without a wine stop would be a sin!
If you get hungry in the fresh air, do not hesitate for a moment and warm yourself up with a soup (bean soup, potato soup, garlic soup, all of which are a great choice). Roasted duck or goose with potato lokshe (thin pancakes) and stewed cabbage must definitely be tasted during the vintage, but whenever you come to Modra, you should also try far-famed round cakes of Modra.
And for those having a sweet tooth, we have an ice cream mentioned earlier! In Modra, you can see people queuing for this delicacy, even though there are tree renowned ice cream vendors. And what about winter? They will offer you with cakes, but if you dare, this year they can serve you an ice cream as well. And for all coffee lovers we need to point out the coffee roaster named Ebenica which is definitely worth visiting.
Modra must simply be experienced!
PS: Not sure where to start? And what you should certainly not omit? Write to me and I will advise you!