THE TRENČÍN REGION AND ITS IMMATERIAL HERITAGE

Trencin Self-Governing Region is located in the north-west of Slovakia – in the area of the middle reaches of the Váh, the longest Slovakian river. It neighbours the self-governing regions of Žilina, Banská Bystrica, Nitra and Trnava. The north-western borders of the region are also the Czecho – Slovak borders.

Reflecting on the unique cultural heritage, majestic buildings are preserved in historical sites, old churches or mansions. Trenčín is referred to as the pearl of Považia and also has the attribute "city of Lord of river Váh and Tatra mountains" Matúš Čák“. The pride of Trenčín is a legendary Trenčiansky castle.

The specific and authentic cultural heritage, including both tangible and intangible aspects, can be found particularly in rural areas, whereas towns have always been centres of crafts. The region as a whole is characterized by beautiful traditional costumes, original music, vivid folklore traditions as well as domestic exploration of natural sources.

Handicrafts were highly developed in the region’s little towns in the past. Púchov was known in the 18th century for its cloth-making workshops. One of their typical products was „modrotlač“ (blueprint), a cloth dyed blue in such a "way as to leave a white pattern”. This cloth was used to make splendid national costumes. This tradition has revived by the Stanislav Trnka factory.

Those who are interested in glass crafts and art will enjoy nearly 3700 exhibits of Slovakian products in the Slovak Glass Museum in the renovated Renaissance chateau of the Schreiber family in the town of Lednicke Rovne. Nowadays, this glass-making tradition still flourishes through products being made by both hand and machine according to the ideas of Slovak designers.

The distinctive area of remote hillside settlements around Myjava on the border with the Czech Republic attracts not only lovers of history but also folk architecture and folklore enthusiasts. It is an important ethnographical area with the original folk architecture of old homestead, local customs and traditions. This particular folklore can be seen at the festivals which are held regularly in Trenčín region (Trenčín self-governing region).

In the ARTISTIC project The Trenčín Region is represented by Slovakian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI).