Castles and Spas of Považie Seek Cooperation
January 28, 2025 – Regional cooperation within the European Capital of Culture Trenčín 2026 project, which is crucial for the project’s sustainability beyond 2026, was launched yesterday with two thematic meetings at the premises of the Trenčín Creative Institute. In addition to representatives of spas and spa towns, the meetings also brought together organizations managing the castle sites located in the Považie region.
The Trenčín region has long presented the castle sites of Považie as “pearls” along the Váh River. These include not only the most famous and frequently visited castles—Trenčín Castle, Beckov Castle, and Čachtice Castle—but also lesser-known castles such as Tematín, Uhrovec, Lednica, Vršatec, and others. The goal of the Trenčín 2026 project is not only to highlight both well-known and lesser-known castle sites but also to utilize them during the tourist season as unique stages for various traditional and alternative artistic genres, such as new circus performances or alternative music shows. “I was surprised by how diverse, vibrant, and unique the castle sites in Považie are and how united they are in their needs,” said Ján Sudzina, director of Trenčín 2026, at the end of the meeting.
The participants agreed that their long-term vision is to unite under a single brand, the Považie Castle Route, which they would build together and use to increase their visitor numbers as a cooperative network of castle sites along the Váh River. Trenčín 2026 has pledged its support in this effort, as castle sites are among the most visited places for Slovak tourists while also having the potential to attract international visitors.
While castle sites are the most visited destinations in the Trenčín region for day-trippers, the region’s spa towns are the top locations for longer stays. Their accommodation capacities in unique settings are strategically important for the European Capital of Culture project. “Not only castles but also spa grounds can serve as captivating stages when we consider the green oases of spa promenades and parks,” noted Vladimír Beskid, Program Director of the Trenčín Creative Institute.
The artistic program “Creative Wellbeing,” part of the European Capital of Culture Trenčín 2026 plan, includes various performances addressing the theme of mental health, which is just as important for spa visitors as physical care. “We have offered the spas in Trenčianske Teplice, Nimnica, Bojnice, Piešťany, and Luhačovice the opportunity to host international artists for residencies, resulting in unique artworks or site-specific installations for each spa location,” added Vladimír Beskid.
“The meeting confirmed that fostering connections, networking, and collaboration within the region—supporting the best that Považie has to offer in terms of human potential—is key to the success of the European Capital of Culture Trenčín 2026 project,” concluded Ján Sudzina.