Hlohovec (in German: Freistadt, in Hungarian Galgóc) is a town in southwestern part of Slovakia, with a current population of 23,729 (2001). The first written evidence of its existence is from 1113 when town with name Galgocz was metioned in so-called second Zobor document. In 1362 Hlohovec obtained town privilege. River Váh flows through town. Hlohovec is a crossroad among historic towns Trnava and Nitra, close to famous spa Piestany.
The dominant building is well-known renaissance baroque castle built in 1720. The castle is built on theplace of pre-existing slavonic site of settlement and medieval castle. In the castle area is empire theatre built in 1802, the architectonic jewel of the region, and the riding school from the 18th century and the baroque garden pavilion.
In the middle of St. Michal square stands originally gothic church of St. Michal with highly decorated portal. Next to the church is the Chaple of St. Anna from 18th century. In the norther border of central part of the town is franciscan church and monastery (1492). Part of monastery premises nowadays occupies Museum of National History and Geography.
The most visiting and beautiful natural part of town is castle park with lake, french terraces and rare wood-species, especially old sycamore trees.
Famous natives of Hlohovec
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