Trenčín Castle was officially included among sites awarded the European Heritage Label (EHL) at a ceremony in Brussels on April 22, according to Katarína Špačková, PR manager of the Trenčín Museum.
The ceremonial event, held at the Museum of Art and History in Brussels, marked the conclusion of the 2025 selection process. It was opened by EU Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport Glenn Micallef. Representatives of the Trenčín Museum, director Peter Martinisko and deputy director and legal advisor Tomáš Michalík, attended the ceremony.
A total of 13 new sites were selected in 2025, representing the diversity of European history and cultural traditions. Among them was the “Sites of Peace” initiative, which includes Trenčín Castle as a symbolic place of historical reconciliation and diplomatic meetings in Europe.
The awarded sites were chosen by an independent international panel of experts from 21 nominated locations. With this recognition, Trenčín Castle becomes part of a network that now includes 80 sites across more than 250 locations in 23 countries throughout Europe.
Sites bearing the EHL designation are not only about heritage protection but also active public engagement. Through exhibitions, educational programs, guided tours, and cultural events, they promote shared European heritage—especially among young people—and encourage critical thinking and dialogue.
The European Heritage Label is an initiative of the European Commission, funded through the Creative Europe program and implemented in cooperation with EU member states. Since 2011, it has been one of the key tools for highlighting European cultural heritage and its values.
Source: TASR
