Martovce: Nature, Waterways and Culture

In Martovce, you will encounter wetlands, waterways, regional architecture and festival culture, as well as a variety of activities for families and younger visitors. Between protected riverside areas, historic customs and activities on the water, the town offers a diverse range of experiences.

Nature

Alúvium Žitavy is a protected area upstream from the mouth of the Žitava, with stands of willow and reeds. Approximately 76 bird species live in this area, most of them rare species. Gémeš presents a different type of landscape: the area comprises willow and poplar forests surrounded by farmland, which are frequently flooded and often remain underwater throughout the summer. Gémeš also includes species-rich swamps with several bird species, including grey herons and purple herons.

Culture

The Roľnícky dom is a listed historic building that has housed an exhibition on peasant domestic culture since 1975. The traditional house was built in 1871 by István Nagy from a mixture of clay and straw, using the local woven construction technique. Its rooms are furnished with original painted furniture from Martovce dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As part of the Museum of Hungarian Culture and the Danube Region in Komárno, the Roľnícky dom is open to visitors and features original interior furnishings.

Martovce's cultural calendar includes the Celoštátne turičné folklórne slávnosti every year in Árpád-Feszty Cultural Park. The town's traditional folk costume is also one of its distinctive cultural features: it is considered unique, as there is said to be no comparable costume in the nearby or wider surrounding area. A traditional custom welcoming spring brought young people together during Lent before Easter on the shore of Lake Horváth to sing and dance. The so-called candle dance is considered the most typical and remarkable wedding custom of Martovce. In addition, a new Calvinist church was built in 1898 under the direction of pastor Lajos Puskás.

Activities

For active days, Martovce has a nine-metre-high rope course with several difficulty levels and various obstacles. A lower ropes course, 40 centimetres above the ground, is available for younger visitors. The multi-purpose sports field with artificial turf allows visitors to play football, volleyball and tennis and is lit for evening sports.

The Lesný náučný chodník leads through a picturesque woodland area approximately 600 metres long around a ropes course. There is a pergola along the route where families and cyclists can rest during walks and bike rides. The nature trail also offers play elements and rope courses; visitors can use an outdoor oven for roasting.

Boat trips with boat hire and guided water tours are available on the Stará Nitra. The Vodný náučný chodník comprises seven stations that visitors can explore by boat. It begins at a boat landing with a covered terrace and rest area; small groups can set off in four-seater Balaton boats. During the boat tour, visitors learn about the history and equipment of local fishing and discover various fish species as well as former waterbird species from Martovce.

Cycling

A 35-kilometre cycle route described as suitable for families leads from Komárno via Lándor along the Stará Nitra to Martovce. It then crosses to the eastern bank of the Žitava and returns to Komárno via Lándor.

Other places: Marcelová, Pribeta, Bajč, Veľké Kosihy, Chotín, Radvaň Nad Dunajom, Okoličná Na Ostrove, Buc

To the higher-level travel overview: Komárno District.