Nové Mesto and Beckov Castle – Churches and Fortresses of Western Slovakia
As you approach the city of Trenčín from the south, a strange feature emerges suddenly from the a rock in the landscape. That would be Beckov castle and its distinctive Gothic chapel located near the rocky peak! Yet Beckov is just one of the many beautiful things to do in this small slice of Western Slovakia, a region steeped in history. Known for its vineyards, and hill strewn landscapes it is always a joy to visit.
Contained in this post are a few classic Western Slovak attractions, including the town of Nové Mesto with its impressive fortified church and the previously mentioned Beckov Castle. They have been lumped in together due to their geographic proximity and short distance to the Váh River, being part of its river valley and watershed.
Note: In a separate post you will find the nearby Čachtice Castle (Csejte), better known as Báthory Castle, home to the famous killer that according to folk legend bathed in virgin blood.
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Nové Mesto nad Váhom
This small urban settlement literally translates to “New Town” in the Slovak language, but it does not resemble much more then an large village.
Luckily, the old urban core has survived the suburban drudgery, as you will be able to tell in the Námestie Slobody, the main square. In its outer core you will find suburbs as well as smokestacks, and artisan shops from the towns development of its industry during the 19th century.
In this part of the city you will find many of the towns restaurants, and institutions such as the Trenčín Museum – Podjavorinské Museum. This building is home to artifacts detailing the regional history of the Trenčín region, including costumes and religious items.
At the center of the town stands a pretty but unremarkable plague column. You will find these in most central European towns.
Although the settlement has been occupied since the time immemorial (well, the Neolithic era!), its first written mention dates from 1263, when King Béla IV of Hungary gave the town a series of privileges, that were expanded on in 1550. Over the years the town has passed through the hands of both warlords and religious orders before becoming a municipality.
Despite possessing a pretty central square, main attraction in Nové Město is its superb fortified church, the Narodenia Panny Márie (Nativity of the Virgin Mary). Surrounded by a thick wall, this structure cuts a pretty picture. Built on the foundation of a Romanesque church built by Benedictine monks in the 13th century, it was reconstructed in Gothic style in 1414-1423, with a baroque remodel during the 17th century. It is modeled on the Charles church in Prague.
Beckov Caslte
Just north-east of the city, you will find a small hamlet host to the region’s second most impressive castle (after Trenčín). Its original name was Blundix, but it later took on the name of the village of Beckov instead.
The hamlet itself is rather unremarkable for Western Slovakia, but the castle is sublime. At the center of the town stands a small plague column and a parking area so that you can leave your car to explore.
You will ascend to the castle via the south side, where a narrow path will take you up by the Jewish cemetery, cast away from the rest of the village.
You will soon see the castle battlements rise to greet you. The mighty stone walls are half in ruin but still loom tall above the village.
If you find yourself in the mood for a good view of the castle, veer east away from the castle when you come to the junction to visit the castle.
It will take you up on a hill where the castles best views can be taken in while you look out at the hills of western Slovakia. The strange white limestone outcropping is called a klippe, as it stands alone from the Hronic nappe, a exposed sheet rock formation.
After getting your photos head back west were the first tower has been converted into a sales center for the castle. You can also find your entry tickets here as well as castle themed beers for the road!
Once your tickets are purchased, you can cross the gatehouse and into the castle. An outpost of the Great Moravian Empire, it would have been converted to stone during the Hungarian years.
Your entry part is the lower yard where you will see the upper castle rise up tall above it.
The castle was occupied by several noble or warlord families, including the Bánffy’s, the powerful polish lord Stibor of Stiboricz (of the Ostoja clan) and the powerful warlord Matthew III Csák, until being turned into a prison after the death of the last Bánffy. It 1729 it burned down and was left to rot.
In the upper castle you will find the most concrete remnant of its once noble origins, the chapel. It was Stibor of Stiboricz that made the castle his home and family seat, and the remains of this chapel shows the craftsmanship that went into its construction
The gothic structure is the most poignant of the castles structures, once housing a beautiful painting of a Black Madonna.
The castle became a focal point for the defense of “Upper Hungary” (Slovakia) after the Hungarian defeat at the Battle of Mohács in 1526. From the castle, the Bánffy family helped lead the resistance against the Turks, moving northward after their conquest of the Balkans peninsula and the castle was besieged in 1599.
Today, the site is a tourist attraction. As such enjoy exploring the ruins!
Before you leave the castle make sure to visit the exhibit on falconry! Most Slovak castles with paid admission will have a similar exhibit but they are still fun anyway.
Conclusion
A day trip to Beckov castle and Nové Město is never time wasted. Not only will get you a better appreciation of medieval Slovakia in its Gothic majesty but the surrounding hillscape and farmland makes for a beautiful backdrop.
