Jedľové Kostoľany between the Tríbeč and Pohronský Inovec mountains

Jedľové Kostoľany combines the landscapes of two mountain ranges with river valleys, hiking trails and notable traces of cultural history. The foothill municipality lies on the southern slope of the Tríbeč Mountains and on the northern slopes of the Pohronský Inovec at the upper course of the Žitava River. Different landscape forms therefore meet here: between Drienová and Razdiel lies the deep Hlboká ravine valley, while the vegetation around Jedľové Kostoľany is characterised by warmth-loving Pannonian flora and gradually transitions into the vegetation of the higher areas of the Tríbeč and Pohronský Inovec mountains.

Hiking through diverse landscapes

A prominent viewpoint is the 552 m-high Drienová mountain. From there, there are views of Inovec, Hrušov, Žibrica and Zobor. A green-marked hiking trail leads from the Dedina district of the municipality via Veľká Lehota and the cabin below Vojšín to Nová Baňa.

Another option is the red-marked Ponitrianska magistrála. It runs along the ridge of the Tríbeč, passes Hrušov through Kostoľany and continues via Veľké Pole to Vtáčnik. The two routes described therefore differ considerably in their alignment: the green-marked trail connects several places and leads to Nová Baňa, while the Ponitrianska magistrála follows a ridge route across the Tríbeč and onward to Vtáčnik.

Ponds, wildlife and distinctive natural formations

The waters in the surrounding area are also part of the character of the place. Mallards, swans, herons, and white and black storks can be found along the waterways and ponds. Near the Rybníky forester's lodge are three ponds with a total area of 96 ares. Horné Lúčno Cave, by contrast, offers a geological contrast: it is an old shaft cave at an elevation of 560 m, formed by the collapse of the ceiling of a karstified fissure. The cave lies about 100 m above the Horné Lúčno settlement at the foot of Skalka; it is 16 m deep and 40 m long.

The plant life completes this landscape. Thirty fully or partially protected plant species grow in the areas of the Tríbeč and Pohronský Inovec mountains. Those who view nature not only through viewpoints but also through habitats, bodies of water and vegetation transitions will find several different points of interest here.

Church, traditional dress and local heritage

Jedľové Kostoľany also has a distinctive cultural side. Two singing ensembles are active in the municipality; their repertoire also includes traditional Kostolany songs, helping preserve them for future generations. Local tradition also includes the “deväťpukový” cashmere costume. Its fabric bears the print of a rose surrounded by nine unopened rosebuds.

The Church of All Saints contains a late Baroque altarpiece of All Saints dating from the 1790s, as well as a Classicist stone baptismal font from the late 18th century. The sides of the baptismal font feature wood carvings. The Church of All Saints itself is a Classicist church built in 1796–1797.

Another historical reference point is the ruin of Živánska veža. It lies about 1.5 km east of Jedľové Kostoľany above a state road that runs through the municipality's cadastral area. The construction of the tower is dated to the last quarter of the 13th century and may have been connected with the establishment of the nearby Hrušov Castle, whose construction was initiated by the Čákovci family. Thus, alongside the hiking trails, regional architectural and commemorative traces are also central to choosing this destination.

Further destinations: Nemčiňany, Goldmorawitz, Hostie, Čierne Kľačany, Skýcov, Slepčany, Volkovce, Veľké Vozokany.

To the main travel overview: Zlaté Moravce.