Sitno
Sitno, with its height of 1,009.2 m above sea level, is the highest peak of the Štiavnické vrchy mountain range. It lies in the Banská Štiavnica district, within the cadastral territory of the village of Ilija. The peak is shrouded in numerous legends and tales. Almost everyone probably knows the one about the Knights of Sitno, who live inside the Sitno massif and are prepared to help the nation in its worst times.
Another interesting legend is tied to Sitno, concerning the siege of the castle by Tatars belonging to the Ottoman army. They besieged the castle for a long time aiming to starve its inhabitants. When the castle defenders were already desperate, they took their last food supplies, baked a cake from them, and threw it off the ramparts to their enemy. Along with the cake, they sent a message stating that they would continue eating such delicious food for many more years, whereupon the Tatars retreated and left in disappointment. They assumed that the message was true and that they would have to wait for many more years.
The Sitno massif belongs to the Hornád river basin's counterpart, the Hron river basin, where waters from the western slopes are drained. The southern and eastern parts of the massif direct their waters into the Ipeľ river. The massif is deforested at its summit as well as on several slopes, representing a prominent landmark of the landscape that cannot be confused with any other peak.
Sitno is considered the cradle of European mountain hiking. The first hiking club was established in 1860. It was the Sitniansky klub that marked the first historically documented hiking trail from Hodruša, via Počúvadlianske jazero, and Sitno, to Sklené Teplice. This event took place in 1874, when Slovakia was still part of the Kingdom of Hungary. The system of trail markers used on Sitno became an established standard in neighboring countries, as well as in Israel, Brazil, and even the Philippines.
The gamekeeper's lodge on Sitno was converted in 1929 into the tourist refuge Chata Andreja Kmeťa, which can still be used today. During the climb, you will first be captivated by a magnificent view. All surrounding peaks are visible, alongside Pohronský Inovec, Tribeč, Vtáčnik, Kremnické vrchy, Poľana, and Javorie. If the weather is favorable, you will also see Nízke Tatry, Veľká Fatra, and some peaks in Hungary, such as Mátra.
Sitno is a declared archaeological protected site. Remains of human settlement dating back to prehistoric times were found here. Archaeological excavations uncovered a massive Lusatian hillfort over an area of 16 hectares. It was the highest-elevated fortified settlement of the Lusatian culture in our country. Its history dates back to the period between 1200 and 800 BC, with this settlement lasting approximately until the beginning of the AD era. Subsequently, according to further findings, Sitno was resettled in the 11th–12th centuries, when the importance of Banská Štiavnica grew due to ore mining. For that reason, Hrad Sitno castle was built here in the 13th century, the ruins of which can still be admired today. In addition to the castle, Sitno houses Pamätník Exnárovi (Memorial to Exnár), founder of the Sitno partisan unit, and the second oldest observation tower in Slovakia. Inside the tower, exhibitions of archaeological findings from the castle as well as various artifacts of local fauna, flora, minerals, and rock climbing are installed.
Sitno is a habitat for various species of protected plants and animals. Animals notably include the Sitno roe deer (sitniansky srnec) and the common raven. Among plants, there is a strong representation of vegetation found in rock crevices and walls on andesite, approximately 300 forms of roses (already described by Andrej Kmeť), and the occurrence of both thermophilic and mountain plant species (yellow onion, mountain houseleek, martagon lily, and hairy brushwood).
A trail to the summit of Sitno leads from the settlement of Rovne. Following the blue hiking trail, you can reach the summit from Prenčov or from the Krížne pass, crossing Tatárska lúka. Following the green hiking trail, you can go from Počúvadlianske jazero across Tatárska lúka or from the village of Ilija, with this route later joining the aforementioned blue trail. A very nice route leads from Svätý Anton. Along the way, you can also visit the picturesque Kaštieľ Svätý Anton mansion with its museum. Some routes can easily be handled by children or seniors. The ascent is possible year-round.
Sitno and its entire surrounding area is a region packed with activities and attractions that are definitely worth seeing. One day, or perhaps even two, will certainly not be enough. We recommend booking accommodation around Sitno and enjoying a trip filled with all the highlights.
