Trenčín is one of the cities that hide a large part of history in a relatively small area.

The Roman title on the rock or castle, associated with the personality of Matúš Čák, are only a small part of his cultural heritage, but they are among the strongest magnets that attract many people every year. Other tourist attractions therefore often remain in their shadow. However, it is definitely worth leaving the center of the once royal city and going to its outskirts and surrounding villages.

In the western part of Slovakia, near the Slovak-Czech border, is the heart of the entire Trenčín self-governing region. It is dominated by the river Váh, surrounded by the flat Trenčianská hills. The whole character of the region is completed by the massifs of Považský Inovec and Strážovské vrchy, from the western side the outcrops of the White Carpathians extend here. Thanks to this, the region boasts several natural attractions and beautiful hiking trails.

Some will take you directly from Trenčín to Trenčianske Teplice, others to Drietoma, Horná Súča or Skalka nad Váhom. Along the way to our oldest pilgrimage site, you can, for example, stop at the Zamarovská pit nature reserve, where many swamp and waterfowl live. If you do not want to walk, you can use the new bike path, which this year connected Trenčín with Nemšová.

Beyond the historic center of Trenčín, historic buildings mainly take the form of churches, bell towers and chapels. In Záblatí, the late Renaissance manor house, which was originally built as a water fortress, is interesting. On its south-eastern façade there is a sundial with a Pegasus mural from the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries.

In the past, Záblatie was an independent municipality. At the beginning of 1985, it joined Trenčín, such as Opatová. But to this day, there is a sense of pride in one's own past and in original folk culture. This is a typical feature of this region - the inhabitants of the regional town still actively maintain the customs of their ancestors. The most famous events include Štefanská jazda in Soblahov or traditional dressing in Trenčianská Teplá. A common feature of several villages is also a lamb in the coat of arms.

In the vicinity of the regional town, the Lower Trenčín dialects are used, but they do not sound the same everywhere. The inhabitants of Soblahov and Kubrej say softer, in Trenčianske Turná or in Trenčianske Stankovce the dialect already has a harder form.

photo: Kristína Novosádová