Rock Sanctuary of Divine Mercy on Mount Butkov

Information about the pilgrimage site

The spectacular natural Rock Sanctuary of Divine Mercy is located on Mount Butkov on the site where stone has been mined for many decades and from which cement is produced in the nearby village of Ladce. Interestingly, or even symbolically, this cement has been used for decades in construction sites all over Slovakia.

The story of the creation of this new place of prayer in Slovakia as well as the dynamics of its development is truly remarkable. It can be dated back to 2013, when a monumental cross was erected and blessed on top of the mountain. The impetus for the erection of the cross came from a Franciscan friar minor from Malta, Father Elias Vella, who was well known in Slovakia. The cross, together with the rock on which it is built, is 12 metres high and in its heart are placed precious relics of the wood of the Holy Cross. In the hole in the rock (the reliquary) is placed a pebble that was loosened during the last renovation of the hole in which the Cross of Christ stood on Golgotha. In the year when the cross was erected, the Church celebrated the Year of Faith, and for Slovakia it was also the 1150th anniversary of the arrival of Sts. Cyril and Methodius, who were active in our territory. After the erection of the cross, many individuals, families, communities, parishes and tourists began to visit the site. The strong spiritual dimension of this place makes it possible to experience God’s touch and peace as well as new strength for human life.

The pilgrimage site began to develop rapidly and more and more improvements were added: the chapel of St. John Paul II was added. (he also worked in the quarry before entering the seminary), the Chapel of Divine Mercy (built in the Holy Year of Mercy), the stone Stations of the Cross of Divine Mercy, the monumental statue of the Mother of Divine Mercy up to 6 meters high, the Gate of the Family, the bell tower of St. John Paul II., Zone of Penance and Mercy. This pilgrimage site also houses other unique relics – up to over 100 relics of saints and blesseds.

Various organized pilgrimages are held at the Rock Sanctuary of Divine Mercy from spring to autumn (April-September) (the pilgrimage programme can be found here). This large and unique natural amphitheatre is the venue for many cultural events.

Tourist attractions in the vicinity

Church of Divine Mercy in Ladce – it is a modern sacral building, which was consecrated in the Holy Year of Mercy, which was celebrated in the Church in 2016. The altar is decorated with the image of the merciful Jesus, which is a symbol of God’s mercy. It is a gift of the Sisters of the Mother of Divine Mercy from Krakow. The relics of St. Faustina are placed in the altar. (https://ladce.fara.sk/)

Thermal and mineral springs and spas – the surroundings of the Rock Sanctuary are very rich in thermal and mineral springs, there are several spas in the vicinity: the very famous and ancient Trenčianske Teplice, but also Nimnica. Trenčianske Teplice Spa is one of the oldest and most visited spas in Slovakia. This is due to the excellent natural sulphuric thermal water and the romantic location of the spa. Nimninca Spa is situated in a beautiful natural scenery and the mineral springs have rare healing properties.

Vršatecké podhradie – beautiful and mysterious natural scenery of the White Carpathian Mountains which includes the famous Vršatské bradlá. The Vršatské bradlá have the shape of white-needles, walls and towers, which are surrounded by beautiful deep green forests. There are also the ancient ruins of Vršatec Castle, which once protected the borders of Hungary. A 6km-long nature trail leads through the area, starting in the village of Vršatské Podhradie and leading through beautiful scenery to the countryside and the River Váh.

Čičmany – this village is famous for its folk architecture – especially the original wooden houses with characteristic white ornamental decoration. Today it is a nature reserve – a kind of natural open-air museum. The village is also known for its folk clothing (Slovak costume) and original embroideries. The museum, church and castle are worth a visit.

Dubnica manor house with a park – it is an important historical building in Slovakia. The manor house with a Renaissance core is a four-winged building of irregular shape from the 17th century. It has a central courtyard built on a terrace, the slope of which formed a safety moat. The ornamentation of the grounds included a large French, later English, park. In the mid-18th century the owners established a unique orangery with warm-loving subtropical plants, which it produced until its demise in 1937. Another interesting feature of the park is a remarkable stone maze resembling a natural cave – a grotto, above which towers a wooden observation tower. It was called Babylon and reminds many of a lighthouse over the valley.

Other tourist attractions in the vicinity of the pilgrimage site can be found on the website of the Regional Tourism Organisation Trenčín.