AN AREA in the centre of Trenčín, in front of the former Army House, has turned into a deep pit surrounded by a fence for the past several months. Bratislava investor Tatra Real plans to build underground garages there and, over them, a glass shopping gallery called Extrovertum.
But during the pre-construction research and testing, archaeologists made a rare find and construction was suspended as the town, investor and preservationists try to craft an acceptable solution.
“From the iconographic sources available, we can identify the find as foundations walls which are the remnants of the outer line of the town’s fortifications,” archaeologist Beáta Černická said for the SITA newswire.
“Probably, this is the most forward part of the town fortification that was built some time in the 17th century.”
Preservationists have asked for the finding to be designated as cultural heritage.
“Based on the characteristics of the previously known fortifications in Slovakia, the rest of the Trenčín fortification is a unique phenomenon,” the Trenčín Regional Conservation Office said in a statement.
“According to the available information, the remnants of the outer fortification system of medieval towns have not been identified in Slovakia so far. Thus, it deserves an appropriate approach to its preservation and presentation.”
But the discovery of the fortifications has thwarted the investor’s plans.
The town also still wants public underground parking, so the Trenčín government has initiated negotiations between the investor and representatives of the Regional Conservation Office.
