A bridge that has connected and will connect again. After years of being used only to move pedestrians and cyclists, Trenčín’s old railway bridge is being transformed into the Fiesta Bridge – a new pedestrian promenade and lively public space that will be part of the key activities of the European Capital of Culture Trenčín 2026 project. The city of Trenčín is now launching a public tender for the operators of the catering units that will become part of this exceptional urban axis.
Opportunity for gastro entrepreneurs and cultural concepts
The revitalized bridge will offer an exceptional place for entrepreneurs who want to be part of the vibrant space connecting the two banks of the Váh River. It is a prestigious space in close proximity to the city centre, which will be one of the most visible locations in Trenčín after the renovation.
The bridge will create space for a bistro, café, bar, restaurant, community centre or other innovative forms of services – establishments that will contribute to the development of everyday life, cultural exchange and encounters in the city. In total, five buildings will be located on the bridge, including a community centre. In three of them it is planned to operate catering services in the form of rent, on the basis of the most advantageous offer in the commercial tender, which is published here.
“The bridge is a strong symbol of connection for Trenčín – not only physical, but also interpersonal and community. I believe that the Fiesta Bridge will bring new energy to our city and become a place where people, ideas, art and everyday life meet. I look forward to the traffic that will bring flavour and aromas to this space and contribute to the overall character of the downtown promenade by the river,” said Richard Rybníček, Mayor of Trenčín.
Each establishment will not only fulfil an economic function, but will also contribute to the activation of the public space, for example by organising a minimum of six cultural or community events per year. The Fiesta Bridge will thus become a model of a sustainable public space where taste, movement, relaxation, art and social life meet
“The goal is to create a place that attracts, surprises and is constantly changing. The dramaturgical approach will be based on the principle of awakening curiosity, active involvement, exploration and public participation. The Fiesta Bridge will not just be a place of passage, but a space of discovery. Join the competition and get the opportunity to bring your brand, concept and energy here,” said Stano Krajči, Director of the Creative Institute Trenčín.
Information meeting for interested parties
Those interested in operating the cells can attend an information session to be held on June 3, 2025 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Club at the Hviezda Cultural and Creative Center. Representatives of the City of Trenčín and the Trenčín 2026 team will present the conditions of the competition in detail and answer questions.
Fiesta bridge: the new life of an old bridge
The original railway bridge from 1883 has undergone several reconstructions, but its importance as a connecting element has been preserved. The project of its transformation into a public space follows the vision of the city to expand the city centre towards the Váh River and to create a quality infrastructure for movement, relaxation and culture. The Fiesta Bridge will also be part of a wider context – connecting the centre of Trenčín with the natural park, cycle paths and community activities in the area.
A call for communities and creatives
The Fiesta bridge project is an invitation for everyone – entrepreneurs, artists, organizers and ordinary Trenčín citizens. Its aim is to create a space that belongs to everyone who wants to create and use it. An important part of it will be participatory processes and links to local communities, whose activity will be key to the sustainability of the project.
Detailed information about the competition, technical parameters and selection criteria are published here ” City of Trenčín
Trenčín 2026 is financially supported by the City of Trenčín, the Trenčín Self-Administration Region and the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Republic. The project partner is the European Union.
