From the centre of Ducové, the Náučný chodník Kostolec Ducové nature trail leads to Kostolec. The linear route is 1.1 kilometres long, gains 60 metres in elevation and takes one hour to walk. At the destination, landscape and archaeological traces come together.

To Kostolec on Foot or by Bike

The nature trail is self-guided, linear, designed for pedestrians and can be walked in both directions; it can be used year-round. Trail conditions and signage may change. Check both before setting out. The nature trail has seven stations and two shared introductory panels, which provide additional points of orientation for visitors.

By bike, the yellow cycling route 8201 climbs 1.1 kilometres from Ducové to Kostolec. Both routes therefore have the same destination, but differ in how you travel: a self-guided walking route that takes one hour, and an uphill cycling route. Check the markings and surface before setting out.

Landscape and Cultural Monument

Kostolec lies between Ducové and Hubina on a limestone-dolomite spur that rises 70 to 80 metres above the Váh floodplain. The national cultural monument is freely accessible to the public. As conditions on site may change, check accessibility before travelling.

Great Moravian Manor and Rotunda

Kostolec is home to a partially reconstructed Great Moravian manor with wooden palisades and a gate. The foundations of a pre-Romanesque rotunda have also been made visible. A Great Moravian manor built at Kostolec in the 9th century is an example of an early feudal residence of the ruling class.

Archaeological excavations at the Ducovská Rotunda uncovered the foundations of a church with a round nave and a horseshoe-shaped apse. The nave is the main space of a church, and the apse is its end; these two forms help explain the layout of the remains. Plaster fragments bearing traces of paintings also point to artistic fresco decoration inside the rotunda.

Traditional Building in Ducové

The older eastern part of Ducové lies on the slope of the Inovecké predhorie. Its streetscape is shaped by houses traditionally built from unfired bricks and rammed earth. Unfired bricks are not fired; rammed earth is used in a compacted form. The local building tradition can therefore also be seen in the materials used. Some buildings may not be open to the public.

Pilgrimage in Early July

The national pilgrimage of Saints Cyril and Methodius has been held regularly every year at Kostolec in early July since 1990. The first pilgrimage took place on 5 July 1990. If you would like to visit Ducové for the occasion, check the exact dates before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Vrbove, Krakovany, Piestany, Rakovice, Chtelnica, Prasnik, Trebatice, Ostrov.

Return to the main travel guide: Piešťany District.