“Slovak Paradise is known primarily for its ladders, gorges, and beautiful views. However, Čingov hides a fascinating history that is more than a thousand years old,” stated Rastislav Trnka, Chairman of the Košice Self-Governing Region, during the launch of a new historical project in the heart of the region.
On Saturday, November 7, 2026, officials celebrated the grand opening of the Hradisko Čingov I nature trail, a project designed to transport visitors back to the era of the ancient Slavs. Located in the Čingov area of the Slovak Paradise, this new attraction aims to bridge the gap between the region’s famous natural landscapes and its deep archaeological roots, Topky reported.
According to Terra Incognita, the Košice Self-Governing Region supported the initiative through its Terra Incognita program with a sum of 55,000 euros. This funding facilitated the construction of thematic stops and the physical reconstruction of historical structures on-site.
Digital tools and wooden fortifications bring Slavic history to life
Visitors to the Hradisko Čingov I trail will encounter a blend of physical reconstructions and high-tech educational elements. The site features a majestic wooden fortification complete with a palisade and a walkway, alongside a faithful replica of a Slavic residential “zemnica” (earth house). These structures allow guests to visualize the architectural realities of the pre-Great Moravian and Great Moravian periods.
To modernize the experience, the project integrates augmented reality and 3D modeling. Using a smartphone, visitors can view three-dimensional models of historical objects and archaeological finds directly within the forest setting. This digital layer is intended to reveal rare findings that might otherwise remain invisible to the naked eye, turning a standard nature walk into an interactive journey through time.
The trail’s curriculum covers several pillars of ancient life, including:
- Social organization and hierarchy
- Architecture and residential styles
- Traditional crafts and agriculture
- Military organization and defense
- Spiritual and religious life
As reported by TASR, the trail is designed to be accessible year-round, ensuring that the history of the Čingov archaeological site—one of the best-preserved in the Spiš area—remains available to the public regardless of the season.
A foundation for a larger archaeological park
Local leaders view this nature trail not as a standalone attraction, but as the foundational step toward a much larger vision. Miroslava Szitová, the Mayor of Smižany, noted that the project is the first move toward creating a comprehensive Archeopark Čingov. The goal is to transform archaeology from a static subject found in textbooks or behind glass museum cases into a living, understandable part of the regional identity.
Lenka Vargová Jurková, Executive Director of Košice Region Tourism, expects the project to increase the duration of tourist stays in the Spiš region. She suggested that visitors combine a trip to the fortress with other nearby landmarks to create a full weekend itinerary.
| Nearby Landmark | Type of Attraction |
|---|---|
| Tomášovský výhľad | Scenic Viewpoint |
| Hornád Gorge | Natural Landscape |
| Spišská Nová Ves | Historical Center |
The trail begins at a central information hub equipped with maps and orientation tools to help visitors navigate the various historical stops.
“We want archaeology to be a living and understandable part of our region for everyone,” Szitová said, emphasizing the desire to make the heritage of the Slavs tangible for the modern visitor.
