Trencin is a hilly, temperate region
which is well known for it's magnififcent castles. Two
of the most famous are the Beckov Castle and Cachtice
Castle, the home of the infamous countess Elibeth Bathory.
The capital of the region , Trencin city dates back
to roman times when it was a military colony.
The city's
11th century castle is host to exhibitions and shows.
Nearby, the wooded region of Povarsky Inovec is very
popular with walkers for its beautiful natural sites.
Outside of Trencin, the White carpthians have many mineral
springs. The area also offers watersports such as canoing
and sailing.
Trencin is an attractive city in northwestern Slovakia. The region in which it stands contains much natural beauty; the city itself has a vibrant economy and some splendid sights to interest the visitor. The buildings and environment convey a vivid sense of its fascinating history.
History and Identity
The great castle in Trencin is the city's most powerful feature, a building that dominates the landscape from atop the steep hill upon which it stands. It has a similarly prominent place in the history of the city, with many of the more notable events and people of Trencin's past bearing close relation to it. The area close to it hints at Trencin's ancient history. The castle is built upon a rock rising precipitously and on this foundation there is an inscription that historians believe was carved there by Roman legions. If true, this would suggest that the territory had been a settlement in the age of antiquity, perhaps thousands of years old. It seems undoubted that by the Middle Ages this area started to develop from a loose, uncultured settlement, peopled mainly by Slovakians and Czechs, to a busy and important area attracting many visitors from wider Europe. Like its neighbouring region in Trvana, Trencin was situated at the intersection of routes where traders would pass on business. Perhaps most famously on this route is the Jasper Road, where the visiting merchants would flock to-and-fro. This bourgeoning settlement came under the control of the Hungarian Empire in the 12th century and this is the likely time when the landmark castle began to be constructed. This was followed in the 13th century by the Church of the Virgin Mary, which remains still today, within the shadow of the castle.
The status of Royal City was bestowed upon Trencin in the 15th century with the approval of Charles Robert, King of Hungary, who seemed much drawn to the city and its magisterial castle. The castle became a meeting place for Kings and nobleman; within its walls took place their negotiations. It was also a place hosting the social engagements and Vanity Fair of Eastern Europe wealthy elites. The royal city of Trencin became become one of Hungary's most exalted and fashionable locations during the 15th century.
Along with this golden age, some turbulent periods also ensued. A savage Austrian invasion at the turn of the 15th century left the city ravaged and in flames. Though it did rebuild its infrastructure impressively, there were repeated invasions attempts in the 15th and 16th centuries, notably some by the Turkish. These attacks severely tested Trencin's resolve - of its people and the walls and barracks of fortification it built and rebuilt. There followed in the 16th century a period of civil unrest caused by the riots of political agitators who attempted to wrest power from the authorities and duly stormed the castle and local government buildings. At the start of the 16th century occurred perhaps Trencin's worst tragedy, when it was struck by the plague and thousands of locals died.
It was perhaps the seeds that had been sowed in the 15th century that were crucial in sustaining the city through the testing centuries that followed; the growth of trade and the building of church schools and colleges had then commenced, a welcome legacy of royal city status.
It was periods after the 19th century that some major changes occurred. Of much importance was the drastic improvement to Trencin's transport system. The building of the railways, and then the improvement and maintenance of rail links with other regions made Trencin far more open to visitors from Slovakia and indeed wider Europe, a great enabler of trade and industry. As the 19th century turned into the 20th, so came the creation of some important public institutions; a new hospital and library, and then a theatre, cinema and museum were all constructed within a short period, indicating the strides city and region was making. This progress has been maintained in the 20th and in to the 21st centuries, accelerating since the end of the end of the cold war.
In 1996 the city Trencin was declared the administrative seat of government for the nine districts that make up the whole Trencin region. Today Trencin is an active city, commercially and culturally. With many shops, restaurants and hotels in the area, the service industry has become a very important part of the local economy. The food and drink producer Nestle and the car manufacturers Yazaki operate in the area and are major employers, adding weight to an industrial sector that has grown steadily.
Culture and Tourism
Find your way to the centre of the town to Peace Square, and from here you can explore the city at a leisurely walking pace. In the Square itself there are some fine buildings of varying architectural styles, some centuries old. The Square itself contains a selection of shops and restaurants, and some pavement cafes, which are a feature of Trencin, making it an excellent place to unwind in the summer in what is the mellow, unhurried atmosphere of this town.
Take a short walk from the Square and you can reach Trencin's main museum that offers a variety of exhibits, from natural history to art works. Also close to the square, to the west of the town, are the 13th Century Piarist Church and the Synagogue, both captivating buildings from outside and within. In close proximity to these is an extensive art gallery, housed in what was formally a Monastery and church. The gallery offers an interesting variety of work to awaken the curiosity of art enthusiasts; the work on display is mostly the product of Slovakians and local artists.
Trencin Castle is of itself a major attraction for visitors and is open to the public through the year. For those making the steep walk to the top, the great view of the town and near region once there is ample reward. Visitors can wander freely around the interior; for those wanting a more detailed perspective, guided tours are available on request. The castle is also an inspiring sight when seen from beneath the hill, especially at night when its lights come on and its shape is defined in the darkness.
Trencin's attractions do stretch beyond the city limits. The splendid Vah River that runs through the region offers some boating and has adjoining campsites for outdoor types. Good walking paths can take you out of the town to explore at ease the surrounding countryside, and the nearby town of Teplice is home to one of Slovakia's highly rated Spas.
Transport
The closest major airports are at Piestany and Bratislava, and from here train, bus and train travel are all very viable. The train service from Bratislava to Zilina stops at Trencin station. You can also reach Trencin by bus services running throughout the country. If driving make your way onto the E75 Motorway link.
