The Site
Tematín Castle is located on a scenic side ridge of the Považský Inovec mountain range in Slovakia, and is one of the most secluded and historically significant castles in the region. Perched at an elevation of 605 metres above sea level, its strategic location far from settlements accentuates its role as a fortified border castle, built to guard against threats and provide refuge during times of conflict. Its origins date back to the mid-13th century, when construction likely began in response to the Tatar invasion, marking it as part of a network of fortresses designed to strengthen the kingdom’s defences.
The castle’s earliest recorded mention appears in 1347, when King Louis I granted it to Vavrinec Tót of Raholec, an influential administrator overseeing the regions of Nitra, Wallachia, and Sopron. Over the centuries, the castle saw multiple expansions, including the addition of a defensive tower in 1311, which reinforced its ability to withstand sieges. Despite enduring numerous battles, the castle was never conquered by force. Its prominence began to fade in the early 18th century, as the nobility shifted their residences to more comfortable mansions in the lowlands. The final blow to the castle came in 1710, when imperial troops damaged it during the suppression of the Bercéni uprising, a conflict led by Mikuláš Bercéni, one of the castle’s most notable residents. The last historical record from 1721 describes the castle as abandoned, devoid of occupants or security.
The responsibility for preserving Tematín Castle now lies with the Tematín Castle Association, which has been dedicated to its conservation since 2007. Founded by four university students, the association has grown into a dedicated group of volunteers, seasonal employees, and conservation specialists working to stabilise the castle ruins using traditional masonry techniques. Their efforts have focused on preventing further deterioration while maintaining the castle’s historic integrity and its harmonious integration into the surrounding landscape. Their work is funded through grants and donations, ensuring that conservation continues without compromising the castle’s authenticity.
Today, Tematín Castle is an example of the resilience of medieval architecture, offering visitors a glimpse into its historical past while providing a setting for ongoing archaeological research, heritage conservation, and educational initiatives. The Tematín Castle Association continues to lead efforts in training traditional handicrafts and research into the site’s evolving history, ensuring that the castle remains an enduring feature of Slovakia’s cultural and natural landscape.
The Project
The European Heritage Volunteers Project at Tematín Castle in 2025 continues the long-standing collaboration with the Tematín Castle Association, building upon numerous European Heritage Training Courses and European Heritage Volunteers Projects carried out in previous years. The project is rooted in a shared commitment to the preservation of cultural heritage, focusing on traditional stone and masonry techniques that reflect the historic craftsmanship of the castle. Through hands-on engagement, the participants will contribute to stabilising the medieval structure while gaining valuable experience in historic conservation methods.
This year’s work will concentrate on the eastern wall of the northern palace, an eroded section that requires extensive conservation to prevent further deterioration. A fourteen metres high scaffolding structure will be in place to provide access to the working site, where the participants will undertake clearing, documentation, and masonry work under the guidance of skilled craftsmen and heritage conservation experts. The primary tasks will involve filling gaps between stones, reconstructing smaller caverns, preparing and applying mortar, and learning the process of lime slaking, all essential techniques for the long-term preservation of the castle’s fabric. The goal for the duration of the project is to repair and conserve at least half of the wall, ensuring the stability of this section while maintaining its historical integrity.
The educational programme will complement the practical conservation work with insights into the historical evolution of Tematín Castle, its architectural transformations, and the methodologies behind heritage conservation in Slovakia. Participants will be introduced to the planning and execution of conservation interventions, including the governance and regulations that oversee cultural heritage protection. The weekend will feature an excursion to nearby castles and fortresses, allowing participants to explore different conservation approaches and architectural restoration techniques, broadening their understanding of heritage preservation in the region.
An important component of the project will be the participants’ presentations, where volunteers will share case studies from their home countries related to traditional masonry techniques and conservation interventions on structures of historical value. These discussions will provide an opportunity to compare conservation methodologies, restoration philosophies, and the balance between intervention and historical authenticity, enriching the overall learning experience.
Set in a remote mountain landscape, eight kilometres from the nearest settlement, the project offers a unique immersive experience, with participants housed directly on the castle grounds, surrounded by nature. The European Heritage Volunteers Project at Tematín Castle not only contributes to safeguarding one of Slovakia’s historic fortresses but also provides participants with an intensive and hands-on engagement in historic masonry techniques, ensuring that the knowledge of traditional construction methods is preserved and passed on to future generations.
The project will take place from the August 3rd to August 16th, 2025, and is jointly organised by Tematín Caste Association and European Heritage Volunteers.
