Recovery and reconstruction of Trenčín Castle, situated on a high rock above the river Váh in the southwestern tip of Strážov hills, began in 1954 - only a year after Trenčín Castle was declared a national cultural monument. Reconstruction lasted until about seventies. In the present all parts of the castle well preserved.
The first information of the Trenčín castle come from the first third of the 11th century, but direct written mention is dated to the year 1067, when it was mentioned as a royal property. The castle, or rather fortified tower was built of stone. It is indirectly evidenced by the fact that in 1241 the castle defended the Tartars attacks. Unlike many of its neighbors wooden forts.
Even before the emergence of Trenčín castle this site was fortified. Walled fort was located here, which was revealed during archaeological research and dates back to the 9th century. Later were added palaces and other fortifications. King Belo IV. initiated further construction right after the devastating Tartar invasion, when big hopes were given into rebuilding castles ti rock fortresses to support the defense of Hungary Kingdom borders.
Rocky hill above the river Vah, however, was already inhabited in the distant past, archaeological surveys have uncovered traces of settlement in the Early Bronze Age. Whether in prehistoric times, or later, when there stood a massive fort. Their traces left here not only the Slavs, but Celts as well. On the rock below the castle is well preserved inscription, which has left II. Roman legion in 179 AD, at the time called Marcomanni wars.
The first of the palaces of Trenčín Castle was built by Matúš Čák of Trenčín, who gained the castle in 1302 and created from it his headquarters, which was practically independent dominion from the king, and he earned the epiteth Master of Považie and the Tatras. He let to rebuild the main tetrahedral tower and made other adjustments. Matúš Čák of Trenčín interfered in the political developments in Hungary, where he once inclined to one and sometimes the other party. Even in the spring of 1315 he undertook an armed campaign against Moravia and Czech king John of Luxembourg.
He remained an independent feudal until his death on 18.03.1321, because the king's army began attacking the castle after his death - since 13.07.1321. This attacks, however, defied his cousin Stephen Bohemus, who defended the castle despite hard damage. Trenčín Castle entered the history of diplomacy, when in 1364 the German emperor Charles IV. and Hungarian king Louis the Great and envoys of the King of Poland met here to resolve territorial disputes.
Originally a modest stone castle has gradually grown not only during the time of Matúš Čák of Trenčín, but also during the times of Turkish threat, when Cannon tower and the Great bastion were built. There were more fortifications and palaces added to the Trenčín castle, which made it very extensive and virtually impregnable fortress. Ground plan of the castle (including advanced fortifications), which is an irregular trapezoidal shape has reached staggering dimensions of 700 × 350 m. The upper castle is of course much smaller.
Trenčín Castle was touched by later events, whether the Hussite or other uprisings. It was ruined during Thököly uprising, when was besieged by the imperial army during four years, that remained there until 1782. At that time abandoned castle was burned down on 11.6.1790 and has since then deteriorated.
Trenčín Castle is the classic of Slovak history and it is as well a beautiful building. Visit of this castle is highli recommended during your holiday in Slovakia.