Mankovce lies in the northeastern part of the Žitava Hills, in the valley of the Stránka stream and on the southern slopes of the Tribeč Mountains. The landscape and local history give a stay here two clear themes: its distinctive location in the hills and the settlement’s long history. Cycling routes that pass through Mankovce are another attraction.

Hilly Landscape and Protected Nature

The cadastral area is hilly and gently undulating; in the north there are quartzite hills and forests of oak, birch and pine. The valley, hills and wooded northern areas describe different parts of the same region. The Stránka stream and the southern slopes of the Tribeč Mountains also help define Mankovce’s geographical setting.

The Tríbeč Natura 2000 site also covers the cadastral area of Mankovce. Tríbeč is one of Slovakia’s three most important areas for the breeding of the Eastern imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca). The Ponitrie Protected Landscape Area also extends partly into the cadastral area. These protected areas provide a specific regional context for the area’s natural environment; Tríbeč’s importance for the Eastern imperial eagle specifically relates to its breeding.

Traces from Different Centuries

Archaeological finds date back well before the settlement was first mentioned in writing. Prague-type pottery provides evidence that the present-day village centre was settled by the 6th century at the latest. The foundations of a Romanesque church from the first half of the 13th century have been identified in Mankovce. A church cemetery from the same period was in use until the 18th century. These clues mark different periods in the settlement’s history without implying that archaeological sites are open for visits.

Mankovce is documented in writing from 1345 under the historical name Mangya. The settlement of Stráňa has been part of Mankovce since 1406. The 16th century also left its mark on the settlement’s history: the Podhájsky Mill was built in 1536 and also ground grain for surrounding villages. In 1549, the Pauline monks, also known as the White Monks, owned eight and a half portae in Mankovce and built a monastery there. These are historical milestones, not information about current visitor facilities.

Viticulture was also part of the area’s former land use: vineyards on Pánsky vinohrad hill above the village remained in use until the 19th century. The settlement’s history can therefore be viewed not only through its settlements and buildings, but also through agriculture and the use of the surrounding land.

Cycling Routes Through Mankovce

The green cycling route 5115 Sľažany–Zlatno–Solčany runs via Velčice to Mankovce and then continues to Zlatno, where it reaches a junction of cycling routes above the village. As an MTB route, it is 28 kilometres long and rated moderate. Its surface includes asphalt, paved paths and forest tracks. The route can therefore be assessed by its length, rating and surface. Route status, markings and parameters may change, so check the latest information before setting out.

Another cycling route is 2106 Okruh Zlaté Moravce–Zlatno–Ladice. Its section from Zlatno towards Martin nad Žitavou passes through Mankovce. The status of this route may also change; check its current course before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Tesárske Mlyňany, Žikava, Čierne Kľačany, Velčice, Martin Nad Žitavou, Volkovce, Zlatno, Červený Hrádok.

For the broader travel overview: Zlaté Moravce.