(source: Archive of Mojmír Choma)
Built in 1250, a few years after the Kingdom of Hungary was invaded by the Tatars, Tematín castle was made of stone because only such structures could withstand and assault from the nomads of the Asian steppe. It changed hands several times, with powerful local rulers and important noble families of Hungary among its former owners.
Tematín is situated between Piešťany and Nové Mesto nad Váhom and in the past had a strategic position; it is located at an altitude of 600 metres above sea level and offers a view of the entire Považie region. In good weather, Trnava, which is 40 kilometres away, can be seen.
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Burnt down
The castle's current form dates back to the early 1700s, when it was owned by the Berčéni family. After the defeat of Mikuláš Berčéni, the chief general of the rebel troops of Francis II Rákóczi who stood against the ruling House of Habsburg, it was burnt down by imperial troops in 1710 to prevent it from being seized by other rebels.
Tematín fell into ruin and has since then been slowly overgrown by nature. However, since 2007 volunteers from the civic association Hrad Tematín have been trying to preserve what is left of it.
Without their effort and intervention, the ruins of the castle would be hard to find these days.
"Although the volunteering group has changed several times over the course of operations, the idea has always remained the same - love for a beautiful place, meaningful work and a pleasant environment," Mojmír Choma from the NGO says.
Archaeological research
Long-term archaeological research is a part of the restoration, and has gradually unveiled the rich history of the place. Not much has been preserved of the castle.
"Tematín is specific in this regard. Little information has been preserved and much is yet to be discovered. It stands on the border of regions, in the mountains, so there were very few people who took care of it," adds Choma.
The castle was constantly on the fringes of interest, as is evidenced by its state. "However, it is important to continue, so we are working to ensure the castle, research and rescue projects gradually move forward."
Much has been saved in the last 17 years. "It was possible to stabilise almost half of the castle buildings, furthermore, to build the so-called 'wailing wall', because it was up to 250 cubic metres of stone masonry," Choma says.
They are currently planning to install windows in the future exhibition spaces, and repair the roof, because the asphalt covering it is too old.
Voluntary entrance fee
The castle is currently open and there is always someone there. There is no official entrance fee but visitors are encouraged to make a voluntary contribution of €2 for the repair of the castle to fund everything from materials, services, food for volunteers, and more.
Several roads lead to Tematín. The easiest, shortest and the one with the best views starts in the Bezovec ski resort, which can be reached either by car or bus. This route is also the most suitable for families with children - the journey along the ridge takes a maximum of 1.5 hours.
You can also get to Tematín by bicycle. The best cycle route leads from the village of Hrádok, which volunteers maintain regularly.
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