Mankovce: Discover the Landscape and History

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 cadastral area is hilly and gently undulating; to the north are quartzite hills and forests of oak, birch and pine. When planning your trip, you can consider whether you would like to get to know Mankovce primarily through its landscape, its history or the cycling routes described here.

Landscape and protected natural areas

The Tríbeč Natura 2000 site also includes the cadastral area of Mankovce. Tríbeč is one of the three most important areas in Slovakia for the breeding of the eastern imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca). The Ponitrie Protected Landscape Area also extends partly into the cadastral area. These protected-area designations complement the landscape of hills, a stream and wooded ridges.

The Člnok Natura 2000 site includes parcel 2152 in the cadastral area of Mankovce. The protected area covers 476.79 hectares and is subject to the second level of protection. Protected habitats include species-rich mountain and subalpine Nardus grasslands on siliceous substrates, as well as lowland and mountain meadows. They also include ravine forests of lime and maple and floodplain forests of willow, poplar and alder. The range of habitats therefore encompasses open meadows as well as forest and floodplain environments. A protected old lime tree is reported to be 660 years old, with a trunk circumference of 380 cm and a height of 10 m.

Local history, from early settlement to the mill

Prague-type pottery indicates that the present-day village centre was settled by the 6th century at the latest. Mankovce is documented from 1345 under the historical name Mangya; the settlement of Stráňa has been part of the village since 1406. The foundations of a Romanesque church dating from the first half of the 13th century have been identified. A church cemetery in Mankovce, dating from the same half of the 13th century, was used until the 18th century.

Later historical connections are also associated with specific places and dates. In 1549, the Pauline monks, also known as the White Monks, owned eight and a half portae in Mankovce and built a monastery there. The Podhájsky mill was built in 1536 and ground grain for the surrounding villages as well. Vineyards on Pánsky vinohrad hill above the village remained in use until the 19th century. A church was built in Mankovce in 1968. Together, these details show different aspects of local history: early settlement, religious institutions and activities that reached beyond the village.

Cycling routes through Mankovce

The green cycling route 5115 Sľažany–Zlatno–Solčany runs via Velčice to Mankovce and then on to Zlatno, where it reaches a cycling-route junction above the village. Listed as a green MTB route, it is 28 km long and of medium difficulty; the surface includes asphalt, paved roads and forest tracks. Its length, rating and surfaces give you practical information to compare the route with your available time and touring plans.

Another cycling connection through Mankovce is route 2106 Okruh Zlaté Moravce–Zlatno–Ladice. On the section from Zlatno towards Martin nad Žitavou, it passes through the village. Before setting out, check the current route and markings, as route status and signage can change.

Discover more destinations: Žikava, Vieska Nad Žitavou, Červený Hrádok, Beladice, Čierne Kľačany, Martin Nad Žitavou, Velčice, Nemčiňany.

For the broader travel overview: Zlaté Moravce.