Hlohovec : Slovakia
Hlohovec (German: Freistadt(l), Hungarian Galgc) is a town in southwestern Slovakia, with a current population of 23,729 (2001). The first written evidence of its existence is from 1113 when a town with the name Galgocz was mentioned in the so-called Second Zobor Document. In 1362 Hlohovec obtained town privileges. The river Vh flows through the town. Hlohovec is a crossroad among the historic towns Trnava and Nitra, close to the famous spa Pie?any.
The dominant building is the well-known Renaissance Baroque castle built in 1720. The castle is built on the place of a pre-existing Slavic settlement and a medieval castle. In the castle area is the Imperial Theatre built in 1802, the architectural jewel of the region, the riding school from the 18th century, and the Baroque garden pavilion.
In the middle of St Michal Square stands the Gothic church of St. Michal with its highly decorated portal. Next to the church is the Chaple of St Anna from the 18th century. In the northern border of the central part of the town is the Franciscan church and monastery (1492). Part of the monastery premises nowadays occupies the Museum of National History and Geography.
The most visiting and beautiful natural part of town is the castle park with its lake, French terraces, and rare wood-species, especially old sycamore trees.
Famous natives of Hlohovec
Jn Holl (1785-1849), writer
