If you’re wondering where to go on a trip that combines fascinating history, architecture, and natural wonders, I have a recommendation for you from the southeastern corner of our region. I recently visited the Velká Šance fortifications in Mosty u Jablunkova, a place that for centuries served as a key gateway to Silesia.
Guardians of the Jablunkov Pass
The history of this place dates back to the 16th century (specifically to 1578), when the Princes of Cieszyn began building a defensive system here against the threat of Turkish invasions. The Jablunkov Pass had long been a strategic artery through which an important trade route from Hungary to Silesia ran, and through which armies also passed.
Šance reached the height of its fame during the Baroque period, when it was rebuilt into a modern star-shaped fortress. If you view the complex from above or on a model at the visitor center, you will see the precise geometry of the earthen ramparts and moats, which were designed to withstand the artillery of the time. The fortress was so significant that, during times of greatest threat, up to 1,000 soldiers were stationed there.
What can you see there today?
- Restored ramparts and moats:
You can walk along the top of the ramparts, which offer beautiful views of the surrounding area.
- Visitor Center:
A modern wooden building where an interactive exhibition teaches you about the lives of soldiers and how borders have changed over the centuries.
- Remains of casemates:
Architecture enthusiasts can see traces of the original masonry structures here.
The fortifications are located at an altitude of over 600 meters, but access is very convenient.
How do I get there?
- By car: You can drive almost all the way to the fortress; the parking lot is right next to the information center in the Mosty-Šance district.
- By train: The Mosty u Jablunkova stop is on the main line. From the station, it’s about a 30-minute walk along the red hiking trail, which winds through pleasant terrain and is suitable for families with children.
Just a few minutes’ drive (or an hour’s walk along the border) from Šance lies another unique site, this time a natural one. On the Slovak side, in the Čadca-Milošová district, is the Megoňky quarry.
In the 1980s, while quarrying stone here, a globally unique phenomenon was discovered—sandstone balls. The largest ones have a diameter of over two meters and are perfectly round. Geologists still debate their origin; some speak of sandstone deposits in a prehistoric sea, others of crystallization processes.
The sight of these giant “cannonballs” wedged into the quarry’s rock face is truly fascinating and adds a mystical touch to the entire trip. The entire area has now been developed into a geopark with informational signs and rest areas.
Why visit this place?
This trip offers the perfect combination: you’ll get some fresh air in the Beskydy Mountains, experience the history that shaped our region, and see something you won’t find anywhere else in Europe on this scale. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to visit two countries in a single afternoon.
