Holiday apartment in Zemianska Olča – Nature and Culture on Žitný ostrov

Zemianska Olča lies at an elevation of 113 metres at the southeastern tip of the Žitnoostrovská Plain, not far from the Danube and between Komárno and Dunajská Streda. The municipality is located in the landscape where the Danube, Váh, Nitra, Žitava and their tributaries form the lower Žitný ostrov between Komárno, Číčov and Topoľníky. Here, the natural environment and local history come together within a compact geographical area.

Nature

The state-run Dropie nature reserve extends into the municipality. Conservationists there work to preserve the great bustard (Otis tarda). A remnant of the Danube floodplain forest, known as Malotônsky les, is also located within the municipality. The SEV SAŽP Dropie environmental education centre is likewise situated in the cadastral area of Zemianska Olča. It provides non-formal education in the form of practical environmental education for a broad target audience. The programmes introduce the natural and cultural values of the Dolný Žitný ostrov region while also presenting the values of the Ostrovné Lúky bird protection area.

Getting Around

The Bratislava–Komárno main road, a railway line and several minor roads run through the municipality of Zemianska Olča. The municipality has its own railway station; six bus routes also run through Zemianska Olča. Road, rail and bus transport therefore all form part of the local transport network.

Culture

One of the historically significant sites is the Jewish cemetery on Železničná Street. It contains a monument to 120 Jewish victims of the Second World War from Zemianska Olča and the surrounding area. It was erected around 1946 and is considered one of the earliest monuments of its kind in Slovakia.

A small square Romantic chapel from the second half of the 19th century stands in the Catholic cemetery. Stone vases decorate the building, which served as the burial chapel of the Galambos noble family. House No. 566/11 at the end of the so-called Dlhý dvor provides another historical feature. It was built in the first half of the 19th century and is a house type associated with the poorer population. House No. 241/33 was also built in the first half of the 19th century, but as the home of a wealthier farmer. It includes a wooden arbour that opens onto the courtyard.

The centre of the village is Námestie hrdinov. Between 1992 and 1994, the square was transformed into a park with a pond and fountain. The park includes an ecumenical chapel designed by the architect Peter Dócze, where chamber events are now held. Opposite the monument to the victims of the First World War stands the monument to the victims of the Second World War. The First World War monument was unveiled in 1929 and created by the sculptor Július Berecz and the stonemason Viktor Komáromi. The monument opposite, dedicated to the victims of the Second World War, was created by Rozália Darázsová and Milan and Ivica Schwarz.

History

The local architectural heritage also includes the Holczer roller mill and the Holczer manor house. The roller mill was built in 1910 as a modern steam-powered roller mill. The Holczer manor house dates from the late 19th century. The Reformed Church in Zemianska Olča is designated as a national cultural monument. The Classicist building with restrained Baroque elements was constructed in 1791, given a new façade in 1804 and remodelled in 1925. The church is in good condition and continues to serve its religious purpose.

Other sights in Zemianska Olča include an open-air museum or traditional farmhouse, local-history and other historical monuments, as well as a Turul statue. Carp Paradise at Ružová ulica 998, Zemianska Olča, Komárno District, is another named place within the municipality.

Other places: Imeľ, Bajč, Pribeta, Kravany nad Dunajom, Kameničná, Martovce, Lipové, Veľké Kosihy

For the higher-level travel overview: Komárno District.