In Blankenheim are remains of a Roman country estate, which is one of the largest of its kind in the Rhineland. Through modern architecture the pillared entrance hall, the Porticus, was reconstructed, with its present 60m it gives us a glimpse of the huge dimensions of the former villa.
The Blankenheim Roman villa was constructed at the end of 1st century AD. Archaeological uncovering of the former bathing areas and the utility rooms, traces of annexes and information points, are open to the public.
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.