Trenčín

The earliest written document on the territory of Trenčín dates from the year 179. It is a Roman inscription carved into the rock below the castle. Slovak burying grounds and the foundations of a rotunda from the 11^th century document a direct connection with Great Moravia. The Trenčín Castle is documented in a title-deed from 1111. Its most famous owner was Matthew Czak of Trenčín who was given the attribute "Lord of the Váh River and Tatra Mountains". Fortification works on the castle against the Turkish danger was directed by the Italian military engineer P. Farrabosco. The town below the castle was recorded in documents of 1111 and 1113. The town´s fortifications were begun early in the 15^th century and were connected with the castle complex. Only the Upper Gate has been preserved, with a part of the walls. The Gothic parish church has been rebuilt several times. After fires and military raids, the original burgher houses were replaced with renaissance and baroque buildings. Among the most important buildings is the Jesuit, subsequently Piarist church and cloister. It is remarkable by its rich baroque furnishings and stucco decoration with paintings. The cloister now houses the M. Bazovský Gallery and the former Zhupa House the Trenčín Regional Museum. The Trinity plague pillar dates from1712 and the Synagogue, built in the historicizing style, is from the year 1911.

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