Cyril and Methodius Route – Cultural Route of the Council of Europe

HILLFORT
KOSTOLEC-DUCOVÉ

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Hillfort Kostolec-Ducové

Discover the historic hillfort Kostolec-Ducové, perched on the rocky spur of Považský Inovec near the charming village of Ducové, close to Piešt’any. This ancient site was once home to a fortified manor belonging to a Great Moravian Grand Duke, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich past. Explore the remnants of this grand estate and immerse yourself in the captivating history of Kostolec-Ducové.

Explore the fascinating Great Moravian hillfort of Kostolec, a significant archaeological site with a rich history. Thanks to its strategic location near ancient trade routes, this area has been inhabited during various prehistoric periods. Today, you can visit the remnants of a 9th-century Great Moravian manor, including the well-preserved foundations of a rotunda church and a reconstructed section of the palisade. The church ruins were re-consecrated on the feast of Saints Cyril and Methodius in 1990, and since then, annual masses are held here to honor the arrival of the Byzantine mission to Great Moravia. Declared a national cultural monument, the site is open to the public, with informative panels detailing its historical significance.

What can you visit here?

Filmed about the Kostolec-Ducové hillfort

FOOTPRINTS OF THE DISTANT PAST - Part 1

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FOOTPRINTS OF THE DISTANT PAST - Part 2

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Information from history

HISTORY OF THE HILLFORT

Discover the fascinating history of our courtyard, believed to have been constructed in the mid-9th century following the fall of the nearby Pobedim fortress. This event is tied to the expulsion of Pribinus by Mojmir in 833. Unfortunately, the courtyard was lost to a fire between 940 and 970. Adding to its charm, the rotunda might have been built simultaneously with the courtyard or a few decades later, inspired by the iconic two-peaked rotunda in Mikulčice. Explore this intriguing blend of history and architecture on your visit!

Where to get tourist information?

Contacts

The hillfort is in the administration of the Balneological Museum in Piešt’any.

Municipality Ducové

Ducové č. 121, 922 21 Moravany nad/Váhom, Slovakia
tel. +421 33 7725501
e-mail: ducove@ducove.sk
web:ducove.sk

Balneological Museum

Beethovenova 1810/5, 921 01 Piešťany, Slovakia
tel. +421 33/772 28 75
e-mail: balneomuzeum@zupa-tt.sk
web:www.balneomuzeum.sk

Piešt'any Information Center

Pribinova 2, 921 01 Piešťany, Slovakia
tel. +421 33 / 771 96 21
e-mail: info@pic-piestany.sk
web:www.pic-piestany.sk

How to get to the hillfort?

You will pass through the municipality of Ducové and before the end of the road, a shabby, overgrown signpost points to the left of the main road, between the bushes, pointing in the direction of the hillfort. So turn left off the main road and follow the broken road that will lead you to the front of the ramparts of the hillfort. You can also get there with a car. As is known, there are indicative reconstructions of the palisade, gate and foundations of the buildings, as well as the foundations of the Great Moravian rotunda. The information boards there are already new and nicely made.

Tips for accommodation?

Photogalery