TRENČIN CASTLE (TRENČIANSKY HRAD)

Trenčín is dominated by a majestic castle overlooking the town, clinging to its rocky spur. The most famous owner of this ancient fortress was the legendary Matúš Čák Trenčiansky, a lord who dominated all of western and central Slovakia at that time. Today, this castle is one of the annexes of the museum of the city of Trenčín. It houses interesting exhibitions, including the exhibition of feudal justice and its instruments of torture, the exhibition of contemporary military art and the gallery of the Illesházy family. The top of Matthew's Tower, which dominates the castle, offers a breathtaking view of the surroundings. There is also much to see in the castle courtyard, including the legendary "well of love".

The Legend of Omar and Fatima. Stefan Zápolya took Fatima, the sweetheart of the Ottoman prince Omar, prisoner. In exchange for her release, Zápolya demanded that a well be built in his castle. Omar and a hundred companions worked hard for four years to find water. In the end, only Omar survived and won the freedom of his beautiful Fatima. The reality is somewhat different and the well was dug by the garrison who worked on it for forty years. So don't be surprised to see the name of Fatima, which is not very common in Slovakia, coming to your eyes in different parts of the city, as it is the legacy of this legend.