Katarínka


Katarínka are the ruins of a Franciscan monastery and church dating back to the early 17th century, located deep in the forests of the Little Carpathians in western Slovakia, 20 km north of Trnava over Dubovský creek, close to the villages of Dechtice, Naháč and Dobrá Voda. The church was dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria, and that is where the nickname of the place Katarínka comes from.

Location

Ruins of Catherine's church and monastery are situated in the central part of the Little Carpathians in the Nature reserve of Katarínka about 3 kilometers west from the village Dechtice. Ruins are accessible by the trail from the village Naháč marked by blue signs about 2 km north. The trail continues up to the ruins of the castle Dobrá Voda.

Access

From the border of the Protected Landscape Area of the Little Carpathians the access is possible only by walking or cycling.
The project Katarínka was initiated to prevent the neglected monastery from further decay and destruction. It is intended for young volunteers and has a form of two-week summer camps held in medieval spirit. Volunteers are working on the reconstruction and conservation of ruins. The complex archeological, historical and geophysical research takes place in the monastery.

Narrow gauge forest railway of the Little Carpathians

Monastery of Saint Catherine neighbors the exposition dedicated to narrow gauge forest railway of the Little Carpathians, whose line Smolenice – Dobrá Voda led nearby the monastery. Exposition includes also a short yard with ancient vehicles and ample informational panels. The yard will be gradually extended and will enable the view of the connection with its former line.