Discover Ludanice

Ludanice lies amid the Nitrianska sprašová pahorkatina, on the right-bank floodplain and terrace of the Nitra. This landscape setting is complemented by a local history in which prehistoric finds, medieval monastery remains and Baroque church art represent different layers of time. Ludanice combines historic traces with excursions on foot or by bike. Ludanice railway station is also the penultimate stop on the route from Nitra to Topoľčany.

Archaeological traces from different periods

Archaeological traces date from the Neolithic to the beginning of the Common Era. Neolithic settlement traces of the Linear Pottery culture were documented in Ludanice through archaeological surveys. La Tène pottery finds discovered at the Lúžtek site are associated with the historical Celts and date from 500 to 0 BC. Two vessels from the Thracian culture mark a different period: they were discovered during earthworks for the school building and date from 600 to 400 BC. Three graves, including a child's grave, were also found in Ludanice. Settlement traces, pottery and burials thus stand alongside one another in the local history as different types of archaeological evidence.

Monastery history and medieval building remains

Another layer of time is represented by the Benedictine monastery or abbey of St Cosmas and Damian. According to tradition, it was founded around the turn of the 12th and 13th centuries. Between 2005 and 2007, the remains of a medieval Benedictine monastery were excavated in Ludanice. A 14th-century hypocaust was discovered beneath what is believed to have been the refectory. A hypocaust is a heating system in which warm air circulates beneath the floor. The monastery's history can therefore be placed in context both through its traditionally recorded date of foundation and through a specific medieval building feature.

Baroque church and altarpiece

The Church of the Most Holy Trinity is a Baroque church built in 1701. It was extensively rebuilt and modernised from 1752 to 1761. Its main altar bears an image of the Most Holy Trinity, consecrated in 1759. The painting is considered a Baroque work, probably by an Italian master; it was commissioned by Countess Mária Terézia Beréni. The consecration of the altarpiece thus took place during the renovation period. Another historic landmark is the stone statue of Saint Donatus to the left of the entrance to the cemetery; it has been part of Ludanice for more than 250 years.

On foot, by bike and by rail

A hike or bike ride to Karlov Dvor is a recommended excursion. The rolling western slopes offer changing views along the way. Another option is the self-guided Nitrianska Streda–Dvorany nad Nitrou–Ludanice educational trail, which runs through Ludanice to the grounds of the Poľovníckeho združenia Ponitran Ludanice. It is 11.5 km long, takes about four hours and is rated easy. The educational trail has a stated distance, an approximate duration and a difficulty rating; the excursion to Karlov Dvor focuses on hiking or cycling and the changing views. If you would like to travel by train, check the timetable for your travel date.

Discover more destinations: Podhradie, Kuzmice, Radošina, Čermany, Solčianky, Tvrdomestice, Chrabrany, Oponice.

For the main travel overview: Okres Topoľčany.