Súdovce: Ginkgo, Park History and Wine Tradition

Súdovce combines a protected natural landmark, traces of history, regional tasting experiences, and a more challenging cycling route. This offers several concrete points of interest for a trip to Slovakia: from the former manor park and church to culinary experiences and a cycling tour.

Landscape and Ginkgo

Súdovce lies in the valley of the Veperec stream, on the southwestern edge of the Krupinská planina. The Ginkgo biloba is protected by law and is estimated to be around 260 years old. The tree once belonged to a park with a manor house. This links a distinctive natural feature with the town’s earlier history. The landscape also includes archaeological traces: west of the houses in Súdovce, reddish, fired-clay remains can be seen in ploughed soil; south of Súdovce, the so-called Spečený val stretches for over 1.4 km.

Manor Park and Church

Only part of the manor house’s south wing remains. The manor’s former park won an award at the 1884 World’s Fair in Budapest. The distinction is important: the award was given to the park, while the surviving part belongs to the manor house. The Evangelical church was built in 1932. Its Neoclassical altar bears a painting by D. Šuba from the same year, depicting Jesus on the Mount of Olives. The shared date links the building and painting in time. When looking at the altar, it helps to distinguish between style and subject: Neoclassical describes its design, while the depiction of Jesus on the Mount of Olives identifies the specific religious subject.

Wine Tradition and Tastings

Historically, viticulture was the most important local activity, as shown by the municipal seal from 1668. Súdovce’s vineyards are concentrated around the village in the Chrástavky and Zajfrtky areas. Today’s culinary offerings go beyond wine: a tasting selection includes at least 14 types of oil, four kinds of homemade mustard, and other locally made products. Guided tastings of the producers’ own products are available in Súdovce. There is also a guided tour of the production process with live pressing. The formats differ in focus: tastings center on the products, while the tour focuses on the production process and live pressing. This makes it possible to distinguish the historic wine-growing tradition from today’s tasting and production experiences without limiting them to wine.

Cycling Route and Planning

The Súdovská cycling route runs from Dudince via Lišov and Súdovce and back to Dudince. At 33 km, it is one of the more challenging routes. There are viewpoints at Staré vinice, Berený háj, and Kôrčiny. How challenging it is may depend on route conditions and the cyclists’ experience. Check the conditions before setting off so that your assessment matches the planned ride.

Discover more destinations: Lišov, Dolné Mladonice, Hontianske Nemce, Drážovce, Cerovo, Uňatín, Selce, Hontianske Tesáre

For the broader travel overview: Krupina District.