Trenčín region

Beckov village and and same-named ruin of the castle above it can be found at the border of middle and lower Považie region. The ruin rises – well visible from the far – on a bold rock, which is as well target of rock climbers. Beckov castle itself was built in the late 12th century.

Čachtice, situated north of the Little Carpathians, is  known through the famous legend of the bloody Countess Elizabeth Bathory. In the present the ruin of Čachtice Castle, where she resided, is a very good view point and thus popular trip destination.

Dubnica Mansion is a historical monument, one of the most valuable historical buildings in Slovakia. Mansion with a renaissance core is a four-winged building of irregular shape, which began to build in the 40s of 17. century Gašpar Ileľzházi on the basis of an earlier foundations. Today it houses a museum, gallery and City Information Center.

Ilava is a small city located in central Považie region. Lower and upper castle from the 12 century, is owned by Slovakia from 1855. An important prison was established here. The building keeps this function until the present. Visitors of the city can explore the Museum of business. Located in the city part called Klobušice. In the local cemetery the remains of the great figure of technological progress in Hungary - Gábor Baross can be found. He contributed to build the first bridge across the Danube in Bratislava. Near Ilava is located very nice peak called Vápeč belonging to Strážov hills.

According to legend monk Benedict established on a steep slope in the valley of river Váh his hermitage. Benedict was a scholar of monk Svorad of Zobor Abbey. Today, the remains of the monastery built later can be seen over here. The monastery is situated a few kilometers far from Skalka near Trenčín.

Trenčianske Teplice is a very famous spa town.  There are musculoskeletal and nervous diseases treated here. The most interesting spa building is the so-called Haman, which is built in typical oriental style.

Trenčín is an administrative center of Trenčín region and one of the most important towns in Slovakia. Historically, Trenčín is best known for its castle, which rises above the city. The castle was in 13th centrury  residence of famous ruler – Matúš Čák of Trenčín, who ruled from that place a large part of the territory of today's Slovakia. Later many owners changed  here. In 1790 the castle burnt down and began to deteriorate. Later reconstruction helpet to build up its present form, which shows the castle in almost original condition. Castle attracts by Matúšs tower, which is the oldest and highest part of the castle. From the perspective of the history of Slovakia, there is very important inscription written on the castle rock, which was left here in the times when the Roman legions spread their territory. The inscription testifies to the crossing of the Danube by the legions and the victory of Marcus Aurelius in 179 over Quads in Laugaricium. Below the castle is located the historical center of Trenčín with other monuments belonging to the Trenčín Museum.

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.