The Castles 3D application from the workshop of the regional tourism organization (KOCR) Trenčín region has been expanded by 2 new castles – Beckov and Čachtice. In addition to the visualization of castle walls and virtual models, creative and interactive elements have been added to the application. The novelty was presented by representatives of KOCR Trenčín region directly at Beckov Castle.

The foundations of the application, which offers a virtual view into the historical premises of castles and castle ruins of the Trenčín Region, were laid by KOCR Trenčín Region in 2021. The basic pillar was the Trenčín Castle and its Barbora Palace. After almost two years, the application was expanded to include two nearby castles. "After intensive consultations with interested experts who supervised the creation of new content, Beckov Castle and Čachtice Castle were added to the application. The new content is not only about visualizing castle walls and elements that once adorned majestic buildings. Once again, we incorporated models of historical figures, audio commentaries in 3 language mutations, and we didn't forget a little interactivity in the form of short visual or audio animations," explained Pavol Štefčík , acting executive director of KOCR Trenčín region.

At the Beckov Castle with the castellan and the court lady, at the Čachtick Castle with Countess Bátoriová

After launching the application, you will find yourself in the company of historical figures who tell their story through the application. At Beckovský hrad, you will meet the castellan and the lady of the court in the central courtyard. You will not only learn their names, their position in the historical hierarchy, but you will also get an insight into the family ties and property relations of noble families. "This kind of application will complement our range of services. Augmented reality and modeling of the castle's real spaces is ideal for attracting especially the younger generation of visitors," said Peter Pastier , director of Beckov Castle.

Behind the walls of the Čachtice castle, you will be welcomed by the Čachtice lady, Countess Alžbeta Bátoriová. Thanks to the application, you can set the controversial topic of guilt or innocence of a notorious figure of Hungarian history according to your own opinion. "What's great is that the story the countess tells is up to the user of the application. We like that the visitor has the opportunity to hear two versions of the story. One of them perceives Bátoriová as a victim of power machinations, the other, on the contrary, puts her in a bad light," added Marián Imriška, castellan of Čachtice Castle.

Free for both operating systems

The Castles 3D mobile application is freely available for Android and iOS operating systems. After expanding its content, the size of the application itself exceeds 500 MB, so the publisher recommends that users download the application in the comfort of their own home with an Internet connection before visiting the castles. Behind the castle gates, they then simply start the application, synchronize their mobile devices with the marker and can fully enjoy the augmented reality at Trenčín Castle, Beckov Castle or Čachtick Castle.

The application is available on the App Store and Google Play .

Text: PS

Photo: Slávka Gajdošíková

12.5.2023