Upholding tradition
While Zochova Chata (Zoch’s Cottage) first welcomed guests in 1933, this unique place actually has a much longer history. Modra was already a key Hungarian royal town at the beginning of the 17th century, with the cottage acting as a refuge for the healing and regeneration of body and spirit. We highly value the notable tradition, prominent past, and irresistible charm of the Piesok area – qualities reflected in the building’s extensive reconstruction in 2007. Enjoy the history around you, which our guests continue to write today.
Modra’s history
The first evidence of the town’s settlement date to the 3rd millennium BC, while the first written records date to the 12th and 13th centuries. When Rudolf II granted Modra the privileges of a free royal town (libera regiae civitas) in 1607, this charming place became a leading Hungarian royal town. From 1610 to 1646 the town fortified itself with three sturdy gates, parts of which – the fortifications and Upper Gate – still remaining as a relic of an illustrious past. By the 17th century, Modra had become a notable town with developed viticulture, forestry practises, guild production, education, and culture.
Piesok
Although known as Piesok (sand), it’s a pleasant surprise to find that the area is so much more than just that grainy substance and dust. As a tranquil oasis surrounded by Modra forests, Piesok has long been renowned as the perfect retreat from hustle and bustle. This attractive location with refreshing vibrant air was discovered by Modra’s poetically-minded residents earlier than Harmónia. Piesok’s charmingly secluded Chapel of St. Mary Magdalene (1876) has a notable namesake altar, and this saint and St. Vincent are patrons of this settlement.
Recreation centre
This location’s first villa for healing and recreation dates to 1890 and was quickly followed by others, culminating in the restoration of Zochova Chata in the protected Small Carpathians hilly landscape area. This attractive cottage was enjoyed for tourism, recreation, sport, and protecting the surrounding nature. Renowned far and wide, Zochova Chata attracted visitors from the nearby cities Bratislava, Budapest, and Vienna, international tourists, and even US Presidents – with Jimmy Carter paying a visit too.
Samuel Zoch
(December 18, 1882 – January 4, 1928) – Slovak evangelical priest, public figure, politician, church dignitary, and religious writer. After graduating in Vienna, this native of Modra first became a chaplain in Novi Sad before being elected pastor of Modra in 1907, where he replaced his uncle Pavel Zoch. Samuel Zoch was involved in several key events that laid the foundations of the Slovak nation, founded the Modra Hiking Group, and authored the Martin Declaration. Zochova Chata was the first trekking cottage in the Small Carpathians, yet Zoch was not to see its ribbon cutting – his widow Maria instead attended the ceremonial opening. However, Samuel Zoch had often enjoying walking with friends – including Slovak Matica’s Štefan Krčméry, and poet, pastor and politician Martin Rázus – in the beautiful area around the contemporary Hotel Zochova Chata ****.
Modra majolica
Cottage industry for earthenware produce (Továreň na výrobu hlineného riadu a.s.) – Modra clergymen Jurkovič and Zoch set about restoring the former Mička workshop to keep the attractive and traditional earthenware craft alive. Their modest endeavour soon flourished into a full-fledged company when the two visionaries saw the business’s viability and the products’ popularity.
Their cottage industry became operational in autumn 1911, after which time Modra ceramic products were showcased at prestigious exhibitions in Budapest, Vienna, Brno, and Cologne – meeting with acclaim and selling well. Especially popular were the traditional ceramic folklore shapes and colours – and naturally so, since Modra’s craftwork is globally unique for this style of decorative tableware. This local production of clay dishes holds an important place not only in Modra, but in the cultural heart of the whole country.
