Two notable historical themes converge in Kopčany: the Church of St Margaret of Antioch dates back to the 9th century, while the Kopčany Stud Farm was first mentioned in writing in 1660. Its history therefore dates back to Adam Czobor, who had a large stud farm built at the time. The present-day complex was built on its foundations.

Church, Heritage Zone and Archaeopark

The Church of St Margaret of Antioch is the only surviving sacred building from the Great Moravian period in Central Europe. It is located in the “Za jazerom pri svätej Margite” area in the cadastral territory of Kopčany. The area around the church is part of the cross-border Mikulčice–Kopčany Archaeopark. The Kopčany Heritage Zone also offers insight into early history: it preserves a significant group of archaeological sites dating from the 9th to the 10th century. In the context of Central-Eastern Europe in the 8th to 10th centuries, the Mikulčice–Kopčany agglomeration is considered an area of exceptional and unique value.

Two viewpoints are part of the landscape of the Mikulčice–Kopčany Archaeopark. The Kopčany Archaeopark also includes a winding section of the Great Moravian Road. The church is easily accessible on foot and by bicycle from the Slavic hillfort in Mikulčice via the Great Moravia Bridge. The bridge was built over the border river Morava and opened in 2019; check current route conditions before setting off.

Explore Kopčany by Bike

High-quality cycle paths run through the Kopčany Heritage Zone and connect Skalica with Mikulčice via Holíč and the Great Moravia Bridge. Another route description gives a 25-kilometre circuit from Skalica via Holíč and Kopčany and back to Skalica. These details help with different planning questions: the circuit describes a loop that starts and ends in Skalica, while the route through the Heritage Zone continues to Mikulčice. Route conditions can change, so it is a good idea to check them before setting off.

Stud Farm, Museums and Visiting Hours

The Kopčany Stud Farm includes an ethnographic museum exhibition, a museum in the old stable, a visitor centre and an information centre. The museum in Kopčany is housed in a former, renovated chapel on the ground floor of the stud farm building. Its exhibits focus on the results of archaeological research in the village, especially recent research at the Church of St Margaret of Antioch. Museum visits must be arranged in advance.

The stud farm is open to visitors during the summer tourist season, and guided tours are also available. Facilities may change, so it is advisable to check visiting conditions before travelling. Guided tours of the Kopčany Heritage Zone are available by prior arrangement from September to June. These dates differ from the stud farm’s summer visiting season and are relevant when choosing when to travel.

Guided Tours and Other Experiences

The “Monuments of Great Moravia” tour includes the ethnographic museum on the history and finds of Kopčany, Kačenáreň, the Church of St Margaret of Antioch, the settlement of the guards, the ruler’s court, the Great Moravia Bridge and the Slavic Hillfort Centre in Mikulčice. This guided programme brings together sites in Kopčany and Mikulčice.

“Experience the Baroque Landscape” focuses on something different. The guided tour includes a visit to the stud farm and its architecture, a chapel with the “Odievanie v premenách času” exhibition, a multimedia presentation of the functional Baroque landscape and the representative part of the castle. The content of tours and exhibitions may change; check the current programme in advance.

Kačenáreň also brings together architectural history and former use. The reconstructed farm building is associated with F. Š. Lotrinský; reconstruction was completed in 2022. Originally, it was part of a farm complex for catching wild waterfowl, created by the Dutch expert Jacob Bodes. The Kopčany riding hall can be rented by individuals and is also used for riding lessons and competitions. If you plan to make use of these facilities, check availability in advance.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Kopčany, your main reason for visiting may determine your travel dates: the stud farm is open during the summer tourist season, while tours of the Heritage Zone are available by arrangement from September to June. If you would like to visit the museum, arrange your visit in advance.

Discover more destinations: Lopašov, Holíč, Skalica, Vrádište, Kátov

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