Mankovce – Natural Area on the Tribeč and Living 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 village thus combines a clearly defined hilly setting with natural and cultural features dating from the 6th century to more recent local history.

Landscape

The cadastral area of Mankovce is hilly and moderately undulating. There are quartzite hills in the north; the area also contains forests of oak, birch and pine. 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 imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca). Parts of the cadastral area of Mankovce are also covered by the Ponitrie Protected Landscape Area.

Within the Člnok Natura 2000 site (SKUEV0874), plot 2152 is located in the cadastral area of Mankovce. Člnok covers 476.79 hectares and is subject to the second level of protection. It protects flower-rich montane and submontane Nardus grasslands on silicate substrates, lowland and mountain meadows, Tilio-Acerion forests of slopes, screes and ravines, as well as Salicion albae floodplain forests of willow, poplar and alder.

Culture

Mankovce has been documented since 1345 under the historical name Mangya. The settlement of Stráňa has belonged to Mankovce since 1406. Other historical references reach much further back: Prague-type pottery provides evidence of settlement in the present-day village centre by the 6th century at the latest. The foundations of a Romanesque church from the first half of the 13th century have also been identified in Mankovce. A church cemetery from the first half of the 13th century was used until the 18th century.

The Paulines, also known as the White Monks, are likewise connected with the history of the village. In 1549, they owned eight and a half porta in Mankovce and built a monastery there. A church was built in Mankovce in 1968. The Church of Our Lady of the Rosary is a filial church in Mankovce and belongs to the parish of Velčice.

Among the named historical and landscape features is a protected old linden tree. It is reported to be 660 years old, with a trunk circumference of 380 cm and a height of 10 m. Vineyards on Pánsky vinohrad hill above the village existed in Mankovce until the 19th century. The Podhájsky Mill was built in 1536 and also ground grain for the surrounding villages.

Cycling Routes

Several routes pass through or lead to Mankovce. The green cycling route 5115 Sľažany–Zlatno–Solčany runs via Velčice to Mankovce and then to Zlatno, where it reaches a junction of cycling routes above the village. The green MTB route 5115 Sľažany–Zlatno–Solčany is 28 km long, moderately difficult and runs along asphalt, paved and forest roads.

Another connection is provided by cycling route 2106, the “Zlaté Moravce–Zlatno–Ladice Circuit”. On the section from Zlatno towards Martin nad Žitavou, it passes through Mankovce. The local events calendar is rounded out by a Hodový football tournament for the mayor’s challenge trophy.

Other places: Lovce, Tesárske Mlyňany, Jedľové Kostoľany, Velčice, Volkovce, Vieska Nad Žitavou, Červený Hrádok, Veľké Vozokany

To the higher-level travel overview: Zlaté Moravce.