Rocket rollers Fired earthwork
The spacious rampart in the village Pečenice in the Nitra region is a long natural wall registered by the Monument Office of the Slovak Republic as a national cultural monument from the 4th to 5th centuries. In the field, it is manifested by visible strips of earth and stone over 60 kilometres long.
There are very few historical sources about the age, position and meaning of this object. Written references to it come from the 13th century under the Latin name Fosa giganteum. Val giants are also known under several other names, such as Specified Vale, Long Vale, Roman Route, Slovak Chinese Wall or German name Teufelsmauer. The origin and precise meaning of the researchers seek to clarify through archaeological research. Older theories assumed different periods of dating from the younger Bronze Age, through the period around 0, 4th century after Christ to Great Moravia. Andrej Kmeť and later Stefan Janšák was supposed to be a deliberately established fire to improve the technical properties of the building. However, modern research by Titus Kolník, Eduardo Hovorka and Alexander Túniya brought other findings. They found that wood palisades were covered with soil and only smoldered during attacks, while the volume of hardened parts was neglected. They were judged more like rubble, high porous blocks of andesite lava.
The monument consists of broad visible strips of earth and stone, yellow or red in some places, lined with wood or stones. In Pečenice, in the 1970 ' s, archaeologist Titus Kolník did research. He described that the wall is 12 to 15 metres wide in the base, two to four meters wide in the top, and the height is one to three meters high. Places, the rampart rises to a height of six metres above the surrounding terrain and reaches a foot width of up to 17 metres. On its side were several metres of trench, which are now covered. The construction had such orientation that wooden palisades were located on the west side and the attacks were therefore expected from the east.
Owners and administrators of this monument are not detailed in historical sources. The Monument Office of the Slovak Republic has been registering the object since 1963 in the Central List of Monument Fund under the unified name VAL SPEECHED and the number of the ÚZPF 1625/1.
Among the key moments of research are the work of Andrej Kmeť, which in 1900 extended the course of the wall to Zvolen. However, more recent research from 2010 showed that Val in Zvolen on the tracks is a separate early-century defence wall. The terrain works of Štefan Janšák from 1930 to 1968, which discovered and documented new archaeological sites and topographically marked the course of the wall from Šiah to the mouth of Ipľa to the Danube. In 1976, research was carried out in the Črieš locality in Žemberovic, where researchers identified old ceramics and residues of burnt oak wood.
Nowadays there are traces of val visible in the terrain from the Danube to Mount Sitno over 60 kilometres. The course includes territories along the eastern bank of the Hron and Iplea through the Kovacovské hills, Chulab, Jujovce, Žemberovce, Pečenice, Jabloňovce, Segiňovska valley and Listener. In Pečenice on Mount Vtáčnik, the rampart is well traceable about 1.2 kilometers long. About the Giant Vale in the local location of Hrádok inform the signs on the educational trail, which he had established the former mayor of the village.
Historical Milestones
- 13th century
- First written mention of an object called Fosse giganteum.
- 1900
- Andrej Kmeť extended the course of the wall to Zvolen.
- 1930 - 1968
- Landscape works and documentation of the progress of the val from Šiah to the Danube.
- 1963
- Register of the object in the Central List of Monument Fund.
- 1976
- Research in the locality You dig and find old ceramics with wood.
Interesting facts
- Smelted rampart in the village Pečenice is a long earth wall registered by the Monument Office of the Slovak Republic as a national cultural monument from the fourth to fifth centuries, which is on the ground more than 60 kilometers long. - The written mention of the object dates back to the thirteenth century under the Latin name Fosa giganteum and is also known under other names such as Long Vale, Roman Route, Slovak Wall of China or the German name Teufelsmauer. - Modern research has shown that wooden palisades were covered with earth and only smoldering in attacks, with hardened parts
Guide
Show guide text
The text was prepared by artificial intelligence and has not been editorially reviewed. It may contain inaccuracies.
Welcome to listening to our audio guide. You are faced with a fascinating and historically extremely important monument, which is Specified Vales, also known as the Hradisko near the village Pečenice in the Nitra region. As you look around, feel this unique atmosphere of the country you are in front of. Before your eyes there is a reflection on ancient ages, a mysterious earth mound, which still attracts respect and fascinates experts and lay visitors. Let us move on to the very origin and historical context of this remarkable work. This long earth wall is registered by the Monument Office of the Slovak Republic as a national cultural monument, which dates back to the fourth to fifth centuries. When we search in the history of written sources, we find that the first written references to this object come from the 13th century when it was described under the Latin name Fosa giganteum, or literally giant trench. Imagine the feelings of the people of the Middle Ages when they stumbled upon this monumental remnant. Centuries later, precisely in 1900, an important Slovak actor Andrej Kmeť began his research, which extended the well-known course to Zvolen. Now pay attention to the structure itself and what you can notice directly in the field. Although you are not standing in front of a majestic stone building with towers, you have something much larger in front of you. This rampart in the field shows an incredible length of more than 60 kilometers. He goes through the country and bears witness to the old days. In the years thousand nine hundred thirty to thousand nine hundred sixty-eight extensive field works and detailed documentation of the progress of the val from Shiah to the Danube. As early as 1963, this object was well-deservedly registered in the Central List of Monuments Fund, confirming its overall social value and importance for the preservation of cultural heritage. When we talk about key stories and personalities embedded with this place, the names of the builders themselves have been lost in history because the architects are unknown, and so we do not have specific historical personalities that would directly move the fates of this wall. All the more so, though, are the findings themselves and the work of researchers. In nine hundred seventy-six important research was carried out in the Čriepes site. During this research, old ceramics were discovered together with wood, which still provides valuable clues for archaeologists and helps us to compose a mosaic of knowledge of how the work was created and what function it performed. An interesting and great mystery of this place is the very name of the baked wall. This is a phenomenon that still attracts explorers, because the way and technology of building this massive system bears answers to questions that have not yet been fully answered. Imagine the tremendous effort of people who, centuries ago, were able to form a line of decades of miles in the country, the remains of which you too can admire for yourself. Finally, we invite you to further explore the surroundings and think about what secrets this country still holds. Thank you for listening to our audio guide, we wish you a pleasant experience from visiting the village of Pečenice and goodbye to other sights.
Tips for visitors
For a visit of the baked ramparts in the village of Pečenice is suitable early autumn or late spring. During this period, trees do not have full leafing or are already falling back, which improves the visibility of the field relics of the fort. The conditions for hiking are also suitable.
Fixed hiking shoes to forest and uneven terrain are needed for the journey. It is recommended to take plenty of drinking water, refreshments and waterproof jacket during wet weather.
To photograph an archaeological local place is suitable morning or afternoon side light, which highlights the field faults and remains of the walls. High-rises overlooking the topography of the castle are suitable.
In the surroundings there is a forest environment of the village Pečenice, which provides conditions for nature exploration and relaxation.
Frequently asked questions
Can the monument be visited?
According to the heritage register the site is not presented to the public – there are no accessible remains or information on site.
Where is the monument?
Location: Pečenice, Nitriansky kraj. The map on this page shows the exact spot.
Why is the monument protected?
It is listed in the Central List of the Monuments Fund of the Slovak Republic as a national cultural monument (ÚZPF no. 232-1625).
For children
Imagine that you are in 15 centuries ago. There's only a wild, deep forest wilderness around you, the winds in the treetops and the fire bursting. But you're not in the woods. You're standing by a building that's unparalleled, and in your hands you'd snap a imaginary sword like a hero in the most exciting adventure video game. Welcome to the story of the ancient history of Pečenice.
Thematic route
Draft thematic cruise route:
1. Sintered rollers (Castle) - Type: Archaeological site and historical monument - Why it is worth a visit: Pravecké hradisko is located in the village of Pečenice. The main purpose of this trip is the remains of the ramparts.
2. Livers - Type: Village and immediate surroundings - Why it is worth a visit: Walking in the village and its surroundings close to the surroundings in the Nitra region, where the main destination is located.
Seasonal recommendations
Spring is the time when surrounding nature awakens from winter sleep, creating ideal conditions for discovering this archaeological site. Forests and meadows nearby The roaster is colored in fresh greenery and the spring rays of the sun lighten the entire space of the Hradiska, while low vegetation does not yet hide the field inequalities. Since there are no commercial facilities or visitor centers, you will not meet almost any tourists here and enjoy total peace. Put on tight shoes for spring roams, as the soil may be muddy and wet after melting snow and spring rains and remember to forget the waterproof wind.
Summer months will be covered Sintered ramparts into a thick treetop that provides a pleasant shade during hot days, but at the same time they create an interesting game of light and shade dawning through the leaves. The atmosphere is peaceful here during this period, Friday or weekend visit will reward you with the singing of birds and the noise of the summer forest without any interference with mass tourism. Due to the lush summer vegetation and possible presence of insects, it is necessary to choose long trousers, effective repellent and light, breathable head cover. The ideal time to visit is early in the morning, when temperatures are the most pleasant and morning dew supplies the site a special charm.
Autumn brings to the region of Nitra a beautiful variety of warm colors, when the leaves of the trees turn into yellow, orange and red shades, giving the village Pečenice and the whole surroundings a melancholy and romantic atmosphere. During the autumn days, the sun already warms so strongly, so the evening rays create long shadows that dramatically highlight the ancient character of the mounds. During this period you will appreciate warm, layered clothing and high-quality hiking shoes with non-slip soles, because fallen leaves can lie on forest trails and hide rough terrain. Visit during the sunny autumn morning offers the most stable weather and the most beautiful light conditions for observing the landscape.
The winter season transforms the Castle into a quiet, almost fabulous place where the silence interrupts only the creaking of snow under your feet and the freezing air. When the landscape is covered by a snow layer, the walls are extremely mysterious and excel at their original terrain configuration, which in other seasons is covered by dense vegetation. For a safe and comfortable walk in winter time it is necessary to dress in warm, wind-resistant clothing, hats, gloves and solid winter shoes suitable for snow.
Visitor Tips
No tips yet. Be the first!
Log in and add your tip.
More monuments – Pečenice
Show all in the town
Visitor photos
No photos yet. Be the first to add a photo from your visit!
Log in and add your photo or leave a rating.
You get more points for a visit verified in the app — we can tell from the GPS that you are there.
Reviews and comments