Zakovce: Churches, Manor House and Cycling Routes

Location and Landscape

Zakovce lies in a broad valley widening in the southeastern part of the Poprad Basin. The Žakovský potok stream flows through the village; its source lies north of the village in the Dufalová Valley. The stream and the shape of the valley provide two distinct geographical reference points: the stream runs through the village, while its source is in the valley to the north. This helps you locate Zakovce when planning your trip; the churches, manor house and cycling routes offer further, distinct points of interest.

Church Architecture from Several Periods

Kostol sv. Mikuláša was built around 1300 as a single-nave Early Gothic church with a west tower at the entrance. In the 1740s, it underwent a comprehensive Baroque renovation, during which almost all medieval architectural details were lost. Two phases are therefore essential to its building history: its Early Gothic origins and the later, far-reaching Baroque transformation. A stone baptismal font dating from 1531 is located in the church. Chronologically, it falls between these construction phases: it dates from after the building was erected around 1300, but before the renovation in the 1740s. The baptismal font can thus be viewed as a distinct historical feature alongside the development of the church.

The Roman Catholic Chapel of St. John of Nepomuk (Kaplnka sv. Jána Nepomuckého) is also located in Zakovce and dates from 1775. Its date is a few decades after the renovation of Kostol sv. Mikuláša. The Chrám Narodenia Presvätej Bohorodičky, the village’s Evangelical church, was built in 1793 as a Baroque-classical Toleration church without a tower. The chapel and the Evangelical church are thus two clearly dated buildings from the late 18th century. The Evangelical church’s style, Toleration status and lack of a tower provide additional architectural details; for the chapel, its Roman Catholic affiliation and year of construction are the specific points of reference.

Manor House and Local History

The architectural heritage also includes a preserved late Baroque manor house from the 18th century, built by the local landowners. It adds a different building type to the religious structures. While the churches can be compared in terms of their construction dates, renovation histories and religious affiliations, the manor house is distinguished by its late Baroque style and connection to the local landowners. Visitors interested in architecture and local history will find more than a single building period or style to explore.

Comparing Cycling Routes

Two different route options are available for planning a cycling trip. The 12-kilometer MTB route runs from Poprad to Vrbov via Zakovce. The Panoramic Ride through the Tatras runs from Zakovce along field roads towards Stráže pod Tatrami; the section described between Vrbov and Stráže pod Tatrami also passes through the village. For the MTB route, its length and Poprad and Vrbov as points along the way provide specific reference points. The Panoramic Ride is characterized by its field roads and direction towards Stráže pod Tatrami. Route alignments, surfaces, signage and conditions can change; check them before your ride.

Discover more destinations: Tvarožná, Lechnica, Červený Kláštor, Spišská Belá, Slovenská Ves, Spišské Hanušovce, Osturna, Kežmarok.

For the broader travel overview: Okres Kežmarok.