Jedľové Kostoľany is a foothill village on the southern slopes of the Tríbeč Mountains and the northern slopes of Pohronský Inovec, in the upper reaches of the Žitava River. The landscape and culture offer different ways to shape a trip here: you can explore marked hiking trails, distinctive landforms, or the history of the church and Živánska Tower.
Between the River, Valley and Mountain Ranges
Between Drienová and Razdiel lies the deep Hlboká trench valley. The surrounding vegetation is characterized by warmth-loving Pannonian flora, gradually giving way to the vegetation of the higher areas of Tríbeč and Pohronský Inovec. Thirty plant species that are fully or partially protected grow in the Tríbeč and Pohronský Inovec areas. Mallards, swans, herons, and white and black storks can be found by waterways and ponds. Three ponds with a total area of 96 ares are located near the Rybníky forestry station. The area’s varied landscapes thus include its elevations and valley as well as its waterways.
A distinctive geological feature is the ancient Horné Lúčno shaft cave at the foot of Skalka, about 100 metres above the settlement of the same name. It formed when the roof of a karst fissure collapsed. The municipal description gives its elevation as 560 metres, its depth as 16 metres, and its length as 40 metres. These features make the cave a distinct natural attraction alongside the valley and waterways.
Hiking Trails with Different Waypoints
The green-marked hiking trail starts in the Dedina district and leads via Veľká Lehota and the cottage below Vojšín to Nová Baňa. The red-marked Ponitrianska magistrála runs along the ridge of Tríbeč, past Hrušov and through Kostoľany, then continues via Veľké Pole to Vtáčnik. The waypoints described distinguish the two routes: the green-marked trail passes through several named places on its way to Nová Baňa, while the red magistrála specifically includes the Tríbeč ridge. Check trail markings and infrastructure locally before setting out.
Church, Traditional Costume and Castle Ruin
The Church of All Saints is neoclassical and was built in 1796–1797. Inside are a late Baroque altarpiece depicting All Saints, dating from the 1790s, and a neoclassical stone baptismal font from the late 18th century. Wood carvings adorn its side panels. The various furnishings bring Baroque and neoclassical forms together in one building.
A distinctive element of local tradition is the cashmere “deväťpukový” costume. Its fabric features a rose surrounded by nine unopened rosebuds. This specific pattern is clearly distinct from the sacred artworks and adds a textile tradition to the story of the area’s cultural history.
The ruin of Živánska Tower lies about 1.5 kilometres east of Jedľové Kostoľany, above a state road that runs through the municipality’s cadastral area. The original access road has not been preserved; find out about access before visiting. The tower’s construction is dated to the last quarter of the 13th century. It may be connected to the construction of nearby Hrušov Castle, which was initiated by the Čákovci family.
Discover more destinations: Nemčiňany, Slepčany, Skýcov, Goldmorawitz, Červený Hrádok, Beladice, Veľké Vozokany, Mankovce.
For the wider travel overview: Zlaté Moravce.
