Stolac Castle is one of the largest forts in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The complex system of stone walls and towers suggests that it was built in several stages, which are difficult to differentiate. In the prehistoric period the north-western part of the fortress, towards the settlement outside the walls, was probably the area that was inhabited. On the site of present-day Stolac lay the antique-era municipium of Dilentum, with finds dating from the 1st to 2nd centuries CE, and fortifications dating from the late antique era.
The earliest reference to Vidoški fort is in a charter dated 1444, followed by a series of charters up to 1454, as the possession of Stjepan Vukčić Kosača. Stolac became part of the Ottoman sultanate following the Ottoman conquest in 1465. After the 1699 Treaty of Karlowitz the fort was repaired and extended, with a garrison commanded by a dizdar. The Stolac captaincy was established in about 1706. In 1878 Austro-Hungarian rule was established. The military authorities carried out thorough repairs to the old fort in 1883, and built a modern fortress in 1888, above the one that had been in existence during the Ottoman period.
Old Town Vidoški was listed as National monument of culture of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2003. Besides beautiful walls, rich history, amazing view from it Old Town Vidoški has something more to offer. Every year, in midsummer, there is a medieval fair called Stolačka tarča (literally translated: Stolac’s target). This unique fair is a great opportunity for all people interested in medieval history. Here you can see different groups from different parts of Europe showing off their skills. Some of them are dancing, some are singing, some will teach you how to swear and use a bow and arrow. Also, you can find a lot of different things on it like medieval torture techniques and a show of takeover of the city and the fort.
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Trenčín Castle is relatively large renovated castle, towering on a steep limestone cliff directly above the city of Trenčín. It is a dominant feature not only of Trenčín, but also of the entire Považie region. The castle is a national monument.
History of the castle cliff dates back to the Roman Empire, what is proved by the inscription on the castle cliff proclaiming the victory of Roman legion against Germans in the year 179.
Today’s castle was probably built on the hill-fort. The first proven building on the hill was the Great Moravian rotunda from the 9th century and later there was a stone residential tower, which served to protect the Kingdom of Hungary and the western border. In the late 13th century the castle became a property of Palatine Matúš Csák, who became Mr. of Váh and Tatras.
Matúš Csák of Trenčín built a tower, still known as Matthew’s, which is a dominant determinant of the whole building.