For many years, the crypt area was used as a guard dog kennel, and later as a storage facility. (source: Maroš Buchel)
At Trenčín Castle, a new archaeological investigation has commenced in the castle's chapel adjacent to Matthew's Tower, with the primary aim of uncovering the Gothic crypt beneath the Lord's Chapel. Archaeologists believe that behind one of the tomb's walls, there may be a passage leading to another chamber.
The ongoing excavation seeks to uncover the full extent of the crypt beneath the chapel's altar, reports My Trenčín website.
"We have successfully revealed the original staircase leading into the crypt, and have cleared about half the structure," explained lead archaeologist Juraj Malec.
The crypt had been partially exposed in the latter half of the 20th century, and today's archaeologists are continuing the work initiated by their predecessors. Malec suggests that there may be a hidden passage within the northern wall of the crypt, potentially leading to an undiscovered room.
Empress Barbara
The crypt itself is believed to date back to the late 17th century, when the chapel underwent reconstruction.
The current excavation, which marks the 600th anniversary of the castle's acquisition by Barbara of Celje, the Holy Roman Empress and Queen of Hungary and Bohemia in the 15th century, began by removing the rubbish left behind from previous research, clearing the staircase, and revealing a significant portion of the crypt.
Malec highlighted that the original rotunda, the castle's oldest structure, was demolished to make way for Barbara's Palace. This led to the construction of a new chapel, which began soon after Barbara of Celje took ownership of the castle. Although the exact completion date is unknown, the chapel stood for around 350 years, surviving until 1790 when a fire ravaged the castle. The chapel, originally built in the Gothic style, was later rebuilt by the Zápolya family in the 16th century and by the Esterházy family in the 17th century.
Little respect for sacred sites
Archaeologists are also relying on a detailed technical diary from the previous excavation, dating from 1955 to 1956.
"We are uncertain when the crypt was filled in, but it likely occurred during the 1980s. During the communist regime, there was little respect for sacred sites. Previous excavators damaged the vault in two locations and discarded waste inside," Malec added.
For many years, the crypt area was used as a guard dog kennel, and later as a storage facility.
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