The threat was not to the castle itself, but to the buildings located directly below it. The former wheel museum and adjacent garages were at risk. Experts assure that there is no immediate threat to human life, but measures have been taken to prevent damage to property and protect residents’ health.
What happened, and how long will this last?
The first problems were noticed early in the year, but the situation worsened in October. Rocks began to break off the cliff and walls—one of them reportedly damaged a building below. Following a meeting of the crisis management team, Mayor Richard Rybníček declared a state of emergency. He predicts it could last more than a year.
Resolving the problem is complicated by the fact that the castle cliff belongs to the city of Trenčín, while the castle itself belongs to the Trenčín Self-Governing Region. This requires coordinated action between the two entities. Currently, climbers have already cleared the most dangerous sections. Next up is a large-scale geological survey to assess the rock’s stability, followed by work to reinforce it. The cost could reach tens, or even hundreds, of thousands of euros.
Is it safe to visit the castle?
Despite the emergency situation at the base of the cliff, Trenčín Castle itself remains open to visitors and operates on its regular schedule. The problem concerns only the outer slope of the mountain, so tourists and city residents can continue to visit the landmark safely. The entire hazardous area below is securely fenced off.
