Mana: Nature, Cycling Routes and Cultural Heritage

A stay in Mana can be planned around nature and cultural heritage as distinct themes. The Žitavský luh nature trail and two cycling routes provide practical guidance for planning your days. In Veľká Maňa, a protected historic park, a church and a manor house add further points of interest. You can tailor your trip to the activities and places that interest you most.

The Žitavský luh Natural Area

Žitavský luh is an important remnant of the original meandering river course. The area includes the cadastral territory of Veľká Maňa. The spotted crake and western marsh harrier breed there every year. During migration, the area serves mainly as an important resting place and habitat for the garganey. This protected landscape is also of interest to travellers interested in river landscapes and birdlife.

The Maniansky park, a protected historic park with the fourth level of protection, is also located in the cadastral territory of Veľká Maňa. It adds a distinct historical aspect to the natural area. The landscape and the park offer different points of reference for planning your trip.

Nature Trail and Cycling Routes

The Žitavský luh nature trail is 3.6 kilometres long; the walk takes about 1 to 1.5 hours and includes three stops. Access is from Road No. 511 via the embankment and the Kmeťovo Bridge, and via the embankment from Žitavce. On the designated nature trail, travel is permitted only on foot or by bicycle. Free movement is not permitted in the other parts of the protected area. Check the access rules again before your visit.

Two cycling routes also offer practical details to help you plan. Cycling route 5104, classified as REKREA, runs from Veľká Maňa to Trávnica. It is 7.8 kilometres long and offers views of the Žitava Valley. Cycling route 8105, “Žitavský luh,” runs for 5.1 kilometres from Maňa to the Žitavský luh nature reserve. It is classified as easy and is suitable for beginners too. When choosing a route, you can therefore consider both its stated length and its destination and character.

Church, Manor House and Folklore

The Church of Our Lady of Sorrows in Veľká Maňa is a late Baroque building dating from 1756. It was remodelled in the Neoclassical style in the first half of the 19th century. The church also houses an early Renaissance image of the Madonna dating from the 16th century. Beneath the church is a crypt containing the tomb of Baron Ján Malonyay and the tomb of a son of Gejza Foldvári. Foldvári was the last owner of the Veľká Maňa estate.

The late Baroque manor house in Veľká Maňa was built by František Xaver Koller in 1741–1742. It now houses a social services facility and is not open to the public. If you are interested in the town’s architectural history, take this access restriction into account when planning your visit.

The Požitavské Folklore Festival traditionally features children’s and adult folklore groups and ensembles. The event is non-competitive, and more than 250 people take part each year. If you would like to combine your trip with the festival, check the event dates in advance.

Getting There and Finding Accommodation

Road II/511 runs through the Veľká Maňa district. The municipality of Maňa also has bus and rail connections. Check the relevant timetables separately for specific departures.

Discover more destinations: Nové Zámky, Šarkan, Rúbaň, Pavlová, Mužla, Svodín, Veľký Kýr, Rastislavice

Go to the main travel overview: Nové Zámky.