Kostolec, Archaeological site and church building at Ducové, Slovakia.
Kostolec is an archaeological site featuring a reconstructed rotunda church and a protective palisade fence situated on a rocky hill near Ducové. The grounds display the remains of a fortified settlement with exposed foundations and earthworks that experts have excavated and partially restored.
The site reveals evidence of settlement during the Great Moravian period with finds from the 9th century showing the place's importance at that time. Earlier layers lie beneath the medieval rotunda structure, indicating even deeper roots of human occupation at this location.
The site hosts annual religious ceremonies in early July honoring Saints Cyril and Methodius through traditional pilgrimages that draw visitors from surrounding communities. These gatherings reflect how this place remains a center for spiritual practices connected to its medieval religious role.
The path to the summit is well marked and takes about 10 minutes on foot from Ducové village, with educational panels along the route. Entry is free with no admission fees, so visitors can explore at their own pace.
The site displays evidence of human presence spanning more than 20 millennia, making it a valuable window into understanding human development across the region. Excavations have uncovered multiple layers with findings from different time periods.
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