Ducove - Kostolec
Great Moravian magnate court fortified with wooden palisades with church - rotunda.
Distance from Piestany 8 km. Tip for cycling trip. Light uphill climb rewarded with a nice view of the surroundings.
The younger Bronze Age /1300 - 1100 BC/, people of velatic culture built on the Kostolec teracce important fort. Fort fortification system - a massive mound and ditch are still preserved on the site.
Kostolec most important settlement in terms of Slovak national history is a Slavic settlement from the 9th - 10th century. Built fortifications - palisades of oak stakes, residential parts - rustic houses and church - are characterized as part of the seat of the courtly aristocracy. Indicative modern reconstruction gives a good overview of their position in the field.
The site is easily accessible from the road 507 leading through a village Ducove by pleasant 20-minute walk. On the right side should look for direction signs on the road to fortifications.
Links to learn more:
Village Ducove - http://www.ducove.sk
Medieval churches in Slovakia - www.apsida.sk/c/1870/ducove-kostolec