Discover Žikava: Hotel, Educational Trail and Culture

Žikava is a place with natural and cultural connections reflected in historic buildings and archaeological sites.

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Nature

The Zubria Obora educational trail is 2.5 km long, has an elevation difference of 100 m, takes about 1.5 hours and includes 10 stations. It begins in Lovce or Žikava and runs along the edge of the bison enclosures in the protected area of “Topoľčianska zubria zvernica”. The trail is self-guided, can be walked in both directions, is open year-round and is easy to walk. The length, elevation difference, approximate duration and number of stations clearly indicate the scope of the route, while the two possible starting points and the route through the protected area establish its geographical context.

From Žikava, the Zubria Obora educational trail can be reached by bus; afterwards, 5 km on foot along one of two forest roads lead to the starting point.

Experiences

Cycle route 5118 leads towards Žikava, continues to the stud farm at Breziny and then to the Žikava reservoir before continuing to the Zubria zvernica. Another cycling tour is called “For the experienced – along the Tríbeč ridge” and passes by the Žikava reservoir. Thus, both the route of cycle route 5118 via the stud farm and reservoir and the separate connection of the named cycling tour with the reservoir are described.

The local attractions also include the private Žikava fishing pond. It is a private fishing area designated as a carp fishing water. The “catch and release” principle applies at Žikava pond; caught fish can be purchased according to the currently valid price list.

Culture

The Topoľčianky National Stud Farm has been permanently based at the Žikava site since 1962. The Church of Saint Charles Borromeo in Žikava was built in 1804. Originally, it was a single-nave building with an oval-ended presbytery and a tower incorporated into the western façade.

The artist František Horniak is also associated with Žikava: he was born in Žikava on 16 June 1956 and has produced around 150 postage stamp engravings to date.

History

Žikava is first mentioned in writing in 1075. A considerably older trace can be found at the Hájky site in Žikava, which is characterised by stone flakes and fragments of ancient pottery from sporadic prehistoric finds. The settlement at Hájky in Žikava is attributed to the Neolithic Lengyel culture and approximately to the period around 4000 BC.

Folk traditions maintained in Žikava include, for example, Fašiangy, the raising of maypoles and church fairs. The “Sedembolestnej Panny Márie” Chapel is also among Žikava’s cultural and historical sights.

Other destinations:Tesárske Mlyňany, Topoľčianky, Vieska Nad Žitavou, Goldmorawitz, Obyce, Čierne Kľačany, Beladice, Slepčany

To the overview of the wider travel region: Zlaté Moravce.