Staré Hory, a picturesque village located in the heart of the Kremnica Mountains, carries a rich history and spiritual depth. Many people come here to honour the ancient traditions and spiritual atmosphere that surrounds this place.
The tradition of pilgrimages:
The first pilgrims came here in the 15th century to seek spiritual comfort and healing. The importance of this place was so exceptional that in 1990 the Old Mountain Church of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary was honoured with the title of Basilica Minor. The solemn event associated with the conferral of this title included a pontifical Holy Mass celebrated by Bishop Jozef Balazs, together with Bishop Emeritus Jozef Feranc and some 40 priests. This important moment attracted about 12,000 pilgrims from all over Slovakia.
The spring Studnička – a symbol of healing and faith:
In Staré Hory there is also a place known as Studnička, which has its own interesting history connected with faith and protection. The inhabitants of Staré Hory hid a statue of the Virgin Mary in this place during the civil unrest in the 17th century. In 1711, the statue was dug up again and brought to the altar in a solemn procession. To commemorate this hiding, an image of the Virgin Mary was placed on the site.
Natural beauty:
The Staré Hory area is also surrounded by magnificent natural beauty. The mountains offer great opportunities for hiking, mountain biking and skiing in the winter months. Scenic hiking trails take you to mountain lakes, waterfalls and panoramic views.
Staré Hory is thus not only a place of spiritual wandering, but also a place where beautiful nature combines with deep faith and history. A visit to this breathtaking place is a path to peace and spiritual enrichment, where you can immerse yourself in the deep traditions and the beauty of nature that the Old Mountains have to offer. It will enchant you not only with its spirituality, but also with its unique combination of history, nature and culture.