Above Lovce, on the 440-metre-high quartzite hill of Plieška, stands a two-storey metal lookout tower. Together with the bison breeding centre and the village’s cultural and historical traces, it offers a choice of different themes for your stay: hilly landscapes, nature and village history. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Lovce, it may help to consider which of these themes you want to shape your visit.
Landscape and nature
Lovce lies in the northern part of the Žitavská pahorkatina, in the valley of the Bolkov stream and on the southern slopes of the Tribečské vrchy. These details place the village in different contexts: Bolkov identifies the local valley and stream, while the names of the surrounding hills define the broader geographical setting. The protected area of Zubria Obora also extends into the cadastral area of Lovce.
The Zubria zvernica bison reserve was established in 1958 as Slovakia’s only bison breeding site. The breeding area covers 27 hectares, while the protected zone covers 113 hectares. In this protected zone, visitors can often observe wildlife as well as several protected animal and plant species. The two area figures refer to different parts of the site.
Zubria zvernica lies about three kilometres beyond Lovce. There is a small car park in front of the entrance gate; from there, an approximately 300-metre, easy-to-walk path leads directly to the breeding centre. Check the current access conditions before your visit. For another point of reference for active excursions, cycle route 5118 runs from Zubria zvernica to Lovce and then on to Zlaté Moravce, where it ends in the town centre.
Another place to take a break is Lazárova Spring in Vlčí kút. It serves as a resting place for locals and visitors and can be reached via a turn-off from the road to Zubria zvernica. Around Lovce, these different aspects of nature sit alongside one another: the hilltop setting and lookout tower, the protected area and bison breeding centre, and a rest stop by a spring.
Village history and culture
The Church of Christ the King was originally a Classicist building erected in 1780 and was extended in the 20th century. Its history therefore comprises two distinct phases: the original building and its later extension. Lovce also has three roadside chapels built by a local mason in the second half of the 19th century. The church and chapels offer different architectural points of reference for the village’s history.
The Cerianka folklore group was founded on 18 January 2011. At performances at home and abroad, it presents Slovak folklore through customs, costumes and songs. A separate event for those interested in food is the Lovecká vareška goulash cooking competition, held annually during the municipal day celebrations. Dates may vary, so if you would like to plan your trip around the competition, check the date in advance.
The themes described offer different perspectives for planning a trip: the lookout tower and hilly landscape provide a geographical view of Lovce, the bison breeding centre focuses on a specific aspect of nature, and the church and roadside chapels reflect the area’s architectural history. The municipal day celebrations add an annual culinary event, with a date that may vary.
Discover more destinations: Červený Hrádok, Ladice, Čierne Kľačany, Martin Nad Žitavou, Obyce, Beladice, Velčice, Zlaté Moravce.
For the wider travel overview: Zlaté Moravce.
