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History of the city in data and numbers

Period before Christ
38 000 – 32 000 BC

Late Paleolithic settlement in Brezina (szeletien station), found stone and radiolarite flints - blades, digging tools, rasps, retouchers, etc..

26 000 – 18 000 BC

Late Paleolithic settlement (gravetien) in Zamarovce.

5000 – 3000 BC

Neolithic settlement unit of the Želiezovská culture in the southern part of Trenčín. Finding of the oldest ceramics on the territory of the city. A piece of shred of thin wall, decorated with carved lines, grooves and scratches.

3000 – 1900 BC

Eneolite – findings of the Báden culture and Bošáca group on the territory of Trenčín. Discovered findings of candle ceramics, evidence of textile manufacture (wharves, weighs from the loom) and a unique small vessel made from a fossil bone with six openings.

1800 – 1500 BC

Onset of the Bronze Age in Trenčín. Evidence was found of the existence of fortified craftsmen settlements at different places on the castle rock, and in the Cherry Grove in the Brezina woods from the times of the Únětická and Magyarovská cultures.

1200 – 700 BC

The area of Trenčín was densely populated by people of the Lužice culture of the late Bronze Age. Fortified settlement unit was built on the rock of Trenčín, while the fire burial ground was in the central part of the city.

500 – 0
pred n. l.

The Laténska age – arrival of the Celts Traces of busy population by the people of the Púchovská culture were found on the rock. Active commercial links with the Celtic world are documented by findings of two bronze bracelets and a massive buckle in Trenčianske Biskupice, two silver coins of the Biatek type, and, most of all, by a precious golden coin of the Athena – Alkins type.

Break of the Christian era

Arrival of the Germanic tribes. Territory spanning from the west of Slovakia, and ending at the city of Považská Bystrica, was inhabited by the Quadi people.

1 – 10th centuries AD

179

M.V. Maximianus, legate of the II. auxiliary legion, after defeating the Germans, ordered to inscribe a votive writing on today’s rock below the castle. First written account of Trenčín (Laugaricio).

2. half of the 3rd century

Findings of the Roman imports on the territory of Trenčín - stamped ceramics, glass vessels and pearls, and, most of all, terra sigillata probably imported from the east-Gaelic region. Other findings also include Roman coins of Trajan (98–117), Antonius Pius (138-161), and Marcus Aurelius (161-180).

7 – 8th centuries

Arrival of the Slavs. Thanks to its numerous findings, Trenčín belongs to significant early-Slavic sites. Tombs revealed buried horse riding spurs, bucket with ironwork, small axe, knives, incomplete double-edged sword, flint, and various vessels. New name – Trenčín, is of Slavic origin.

 9th century 

Trenčín becomes significant settlement center of the Great Moravia – artistic, military, and administrative center. Finding of a sword and spurs testifies of the existence of knights. It is most likely that Rotunda at the castle of Trenčín also dates back to the times of Great Moravia.

10th century

Gradual penetration of a new ethnic group into the middle - Váh region – the Magyars.

11th century

Around 1018

Trenčín together with the middle-Váh region becomes part of the Hungarian Kingdom.

1067

This year is mentioned in a non-dated report from the Gesta Hungarica as the time of invasion of the Czech army into Trenčín. The Czechs would take with them a big loot of people and cattle.

1068

The Váh (Vag) Province is mentioned in the founding deed of the Prague bishopric of April 29, 1068. This is an indirect mention of Trenčín as the most likely seat of this province.

1074

Before this year, a five-church bishop Maurus wrote a legend about St. Svorad and Benedict who lived as hermits in Skalka at Trenčín. (Legend of Maurus). Here we see another indirect record of Trenčín.

1091 The Cosmas Chronicle mentions the escape of a Czech prince Břetislav who, after a conflict with his father, fled to the Hungarian king Ladislav I. The King temporarily accommodated the prince and more than 2000 of his people „in the land of Baan“, not far from Trenčín castle. The place may well be the town of Bánovce nad Bebravou, or Bánov na Morave, both of which are close to Trenčín.

12th century

1111

Zoborské Letters, giving accounts of revenues into the Zobor Abbey, coming from collecting royal tolls in Považie, directly mentions the city of Trenčín.

1113

Second Zoborská Letter contains brief description of the lands of Trenčín settlement.

1193

Record of the oldest known name of the Lord of Trenčín District - Michael.

13th century

1208

Martin holds the position of Lord of Trenčín District. Deed describing the boundaries of lands pertaining to Nitra Abbey in Trenčín.     

1235

Earliest account of Trenčín’s archdeacon, who administered Trenčín archdeaconry, but lived in Nitra Bishopric.            

1240 Lodomerius (Vladimír) was Lord of Trenčín.
1241

Trenčín castle survived the attack of the Tartars that most likely invaded the territory through Hrozenkov mountain pass, moving from Moravia toward the middle-Váh region. Defense of the city was under the command of Bogomer (Bohumír).

1251 - 1260

Bas, the son of Bas, is mentioned as Lord of Trenčín.

1262 - 1266

Herrandus, the main royal stableman, is Lord of Trenčín.

1265

Description of the limits of Kubrá lands that had been set apart from Trenčín lands.

1271 Deed with register and limits of lands of the Nitra bishopric mentions that since its establishment (end of the 11th and beginning of the 12th century) it has owned one tenth and one third from the market, transport, and bridge toll in Trenčín. This testifies of the city-like character of Trenčín even before this date.
1275 Stephen, main royal table guardian, and son of Matthew I. of the Czak family, becomes Lord of Trenčín.
1296

Perhaps by the end of this year, Matthew Czak III. of Trenčín becomes owner of Trenčín castle and dominion. He made Trenčín castle his seat and later the center of his vast dominions, granting the city of Trenčín its city privileges.

14th century

Beginning of the 14th century

Trenčín had approximately 1000 inhabitants (including the suburbs).

1318

First preserved deed of privileges to the city of Trenčín. Document is an unsuccessful falsification.

1321

Likely death of Matthew Czak of Trenčín at Trenčín castle, on March 18. His tomb has never been found Hungarian king, Charles Robert of Anjou, became Lord of Trenčín.

1324

Earliest documented deed issued by the villik (mayor) of Trenčín, Michael.

1335 Hungarian king Charles Robert and his son Luis met at the castle with the Czech king Jan of Luxembourg, accompanied by his son Charles.
1342

Decree of Charles Robert mentions Trenčín as a city that annually pays 10 pounds of taxes on exchange of coins. This document affirms exclusive city-like character of Trenčín.

1362

Trenčín castle was center of other peace negotiations between the Hungarian king Louis I. and the Czech king and German Emperor, Charles IV.

1370

King Louis I. reaffirmed for Trenčín the right to hold annual fairs.

1370

We know the name of the first mayor (iudex) of Trenčín – Ondrej.

1381

Earliest documented seal of Trenčín townspeople. Most likely, the seal is to be older, dating back to as early as 1324.

15th century

1402

Deed of privileges issued to Trenčín by Sigmund of Luxemburg that specifies the rights and privileges for Trenčín townspeople. The document; however, is not credible.

1412

On February 19, the Emperor and king Sigmund of Luxemburg granted to Trenčín the status of free royal city, enjoying the privileges of Budín and Capital Belgrade.

1430

Mandate issued by Sigmund acknowledges merits of the people at the defense of Trenčín against the Hussite armies, and liberates them from paying tolls in the entire Hungary.

1424 - 1439

Queen Barbora Celská, second wife of Sigmund of Luxemburg, was mistress over the lands of Trenčín.

1437

City representatives mention the name of rector Ján, which means that Trenčín had its municipal school back then.

1476

Establishment of the city book for recording more significant property transactions, preserved up to this day.

1477

The family of Zápoľský acquired Trenčín castle and ruleship.

End of the 15th century

Trenčín, including its suburbs, had about 1500 inhabitants.

16th century

1528

Trenčín castle was under the siege of the Habsburg armies of Ferdinand I., commanded by Johann Katzianer. Following the artillery attack and explosion of the castle’s gunpowder storage, garrison, serving to Ján Zápoľský, surrendered the castle under honest conduct on June 28. The castle would also fall by treason. The city was sacked and burned down.

1534

Castle of Trenčín was given as security to the palatine Alexej Thurzo.

1548

Tax statistics give the number of 222 families living in Trenčín, or 1200 – 1300 inhabitants.

1560

Right of lien on the castle was acquired by Pavol of Arc.

1573

Ladislav Popel of Lobkovice acquired Trenčín castle.

1582

Lobkovic conceded the right of lien on the castle and dominions to Imrich Forgáč who began extensive repairs. (Monuments)

1585

Trenčín was afflicted by first plague.

1593

Big flood claimed human lives and caused considerable damage to properties.

1594

Right of lien on Trenčín castle, dominions, and the office of Lord of Trenčín, was acquired by Stephen I. of Ileszhazi.

1599

Surroundings of the city were plundered by hordes of the Krum Tartars serving under Turkish (Oman) sultan. However, the city itself was not conquered.

17th century

1600

Stephen Ileszhazi bought Trenčín castle and was given royal donation on it. Castle remained in the hands of the Ileszhazi family until 1835.

1604

Hayducks of Stephen Botchkay took the city and caused huge damage.

1619

During the revolt of classes lead by Gabriel Batlen, the insurgents took Trenčín. The city was forced to pledge allegiance to Bethlen, and pay 800 guilders in contributions.

1620 Bethlen lodged himself in Trenčín in connection with the Mikulov peace. Accommodation and maintenance of his military escort cost the city another 600 guilders.  Bethlen promised to return the Hungarian crown to the emperor. Since April, the crown was taken to Trenčín and stored under the vigilance of the crown custodian Peter Révay. This cost the people of Trenčín another 250 guilders.
1625

Trenčín was hit by another big flood.

1635 270 economically independent and active families lived in Trenčín.
1637

Czech exultant, Václav Vokál of Prague, founded first book press in Trenčín.

1644

Trenčín region affected by revolt of classes lead by Juraj I. Rákoci.

1647

Arrival of the Jesuits in Trenčín.

1649

Jesuits opened their own school in Trenčín.

1653 - 1657

Jesuit church and collegium were built.

1656

Trenčín was again hit by a plague that claimed more than 300 lives.

1663

Another massive invasion of the Oman armies on October 2 resulted in extensive destruction of the surrounding areas, burned villages, and hundreds of people taken captive. The city itself suffered only minor damage. However, defense of the city claimed around 300 lives of local people and members of the military garrison. City bought a private house to be used as City Hall. The building stands at the place of today’s Municipal Office. First account of existing post station of Trenchinum.

1678 - 1683 Trenčín was plundered by rebel armies of Imrich Tököli.
1696

City Magistrate Office records around 1700 inhabitants and 360 soldiers living in the city; other 170 soldiers are stationed at the castle.

18th century

1704

Last revolt of classes under Francis II. of Rákoci hit Trenčín wit the greatest force.. Kuruk blockade of the city lasted more than four years. Afflicted by shortage of food, 224 elderly people, women and children were forced to leave the city as early as in 1705.

1706

Trenčín had 1880 inhabitants.

1708

On May 14, the city was assailed by a catastrophic fire. 195 houses burned (118 of them „to the ground“), including the Jesuit (Piarist) Church of St. Francis Xaverský, City Hall, both city gates, and prison house for the noble. Also the suburbs were destroyed.

Shortly afterward, on August 3, the Kuruk armies were utterly defeated at the Battle of Trenčín (Hámre).

1710

Trenčín was afflicted by the most destructive plague that claimed the lives of almost 1000 people.

1711

Number of Trenčín inhabitants decreased to 1071 people.

1712

Jesuit Church was repaired and beautifully decorated. (Monuments)

1715 Incomplete statistics show 1540 people living in Trenčín.
1716

222 people died of the plague, other 114 inhabitants got scared and moved out.

1720

Number of inhabitants as based on tax register may be estimated at 1656 souls. 276 families lived in the city; 230 of them owned a house, while 56 paid rent.

1778

Statistical data for this year show that Trenčín already had 3377 inhabitants.

1779

Emperor Joseph II. visited the city, still in the position of co-regent with Maria Theresa.

1783

Emperor’s garrison left Trenčín castle, never to return.

1787

One of Trenčín’s demographic climaxes – 4222 inhabitants living in the city.

1790

Trenčín was hit by another devastating fire that destroyed most of the inner city. With the exception of the City Hall and eight other houses, all abodes of townspeople, including the Parish church and house, burned down. The fire also gave final blow to Trenčín castle that has remained in ruins ever since.

1794

On the basis of the Toleration Patent by Joseph II., Lutheran church  and new school were built in Trenčín.

19th century

1804

Number of inhabitants was reduced to 2614 people.

1805

During the time of anti-Napoleon wars, Russian czar Alexander passed through Trenčín, and later returned after his lost battle at Slavkov. The czar was guest of Trenčín Lord, Stephen II. of Ileshazi.

1813

Devastating flood of August 26 claimed damage of 86 guilders. Sadly, 44 city people paid with their lives. The flood almost cost the life of  “the father of the Czech historical school”, František Palacký, who at that time was visiting Trenčín.

1814

Russian army of 36 thousand men crossed Trenčín on its way to western Europe, to play role in the final defeat of the Emperor Napoleon I.

1818

Post office called Trentšin (Trentschin) was established at the facility of the inn “Black Eagle” on the main square.

1828

Slight demographic increase stabilized the number of Trenčín inhabitants at 3405; number of houses increased to 324.

1831

Epidemics of cholera claimed 83 lives, again reducing the number of townspeople.

1837

Trenčín is inhabited by 3326 people.

1847

Number of inhabitants slightly increased to 3400 souls. Hospital was established in the same year.

1849

Slovak National Assembly took place on September 22 in Trenčín. Here, Ľudovít Štúr clarified the objectives of Slovak political strategy.

1852

Emperor Francis Joseph I. visited Trenčín on August 12.

1857

Another destructive fire hit Trenčín.

1863

Slovak language magazine: “Slovak Teacher” was published in Trenčín.

1866

War between Prussia and Austria. Austrian armies under marshal Benedek, after a lost battle at Hradec Králové, were passing through Vlárska mountain pass and Trenčín, heading toward Bratislava.

Trenčín accommodated many wounded soldiers who brought cholera into the city. The plague claimed 75 lives between August 20 and October 21. Fear that the disease would return, lingered around until the end of the century.

1870

3949 people lived in Trenčín.

1871

First Slovak lay theatrical performance took place on July 19. Performance of the play of J. Palárik, “Inkognito”, directed by Ľ. Dohnány.

1873

First Trenčín newspaper called “Trenčín’s Informer”(“Trenchiner Anzeiger”) began to be published since the beginning of the year. First printing of the “Považské Letters” („Vágvölgyi Lap“) came out on October 20.

1873

Voluntary Firemen crew was constituted.

1874

Trenčín was given a permanent military garrison – part of the 15th militia regiment.

1874

Trenčín singers group was founded.

1876

Trenčín, starting as free royal city and later municipal city, lost its privileges and, together with other smaller towns, became only “village with organized magistrate office.”

1877

Natural Sciences Society of Trenčianska Župa (District) was founded under the leadership of Dr. K. Brančík.

1879

Váh Railroad system reached the suburbs of Trenčín at Istebník. First Municipal Mass Transport in the city was established at the same time. Omnibus connections to every scheduled train at Istebník would leave from the “Golden Ram” hotel on the square.

1880

1880 71st infantry regiment of common c.a.k. army was permanently stationed in Trenčín, later known as “drotársky regiment”. The regiment was assented from the middle and upper Váh region.

1882 Trenčín Red Cross Municipal and District Society was organized in January.
1883

First railway bridge in Trenčín was built, together with railway station building. The building may still be found in the nearby park. Bridge with the length of 256 meters was built by Milde and comp, a Vienna-based company.

1885

New municipal cemetery was designated outside residential zones of the city.

1886 - 1987

District offices ordered construction of Fridrich (today Štefánik) Barracks at the cost of almost 400 000 guilders.

1886

Outbreak of another big fire in Trenčín.

1887

Forestation of formerly barren slopes of Brezina stimulated establishment of municipal woods bearing the same name. (17 000 younglings were already planted in 1891).

1890

Number of Trenčín inhabitants broke the limit of 5000 people.

1897 Norwegian company Gregersen and sons, built new steel road bridge over the Váh river. The bridge was 258 meters long and 6 meters wide. Expenses totaling 386, 644 Crowns were credited to the government
1897

New railway of Trenčín – Bánovce was completed.

20th century

1901

Earl Armin Popper built hotel Tatra. (Elisabeth)

1904

Countess Ifigénia D’Arcourt donated Trenčín castle to the city. The gift was received only after the countess would add 37 units of pastures and 8 units of fields to provide for basic maintenance of the castle.

1904

Municipal Parliament approved establishment of the People’s Library.

1904

First demonstration of soccer match in Trenčín took place in 1904 at the visit of the archprince Fridrich and his wife Isabel.

1904

Trenčín Physical Education Society was organized.

1905

Telephone line was built on December 1.

1905 First slivovica and cognac producing plant launched operation.
1905

First number of liberal–opposition “Trenčín letters” was printed. („Trencséni lapok“).

1907

Second bridge over the Váh river built in Trenčín. Its construction became necessary after changing the Považská railroad to two-rail track.

1907

Launch of production at textile factory (latter Merina) of the Tiberghien brothers from a northern French city of Torucouing.

1907

First experiment of lighting Trenčín by electric lights on May 1.

1907

First permanent theatre Apollo was opened in early June.

1909

Operation of narrow-track railway to Trenčianske Teplice was launched.

1910

Construction of municipal sewage was completed.

1911

New public waterworks was put in operation in May.

1911 

Founding session of the Museum Society of Trenčín District took place in October.

1912

Považské Museum was founded, with Dr. Karol Brančík as director. In 1913, collection of the Museum already contained 34,214 articles.

1913

Automobile rally “Adria – Tatry” was crossing Trenčín. 4 automobiles were driving on the streets of the city at that time.

1913

City of Trenčín built barracks for the 15th militia regiment (latter the Masaryk barracks).

1914

First takeoff of a plane heavier that the air took place in upper Sihoť. Andrej Kvasz, Slovak from the lowland region, performed the takeoff.

1914

Both Trenčín regiments – 71st infantry, and 15th militia, were called to service to the east front in Halič.

1914

Approximately 200 Trenčín people laid their lives in World War I; other 150-180 remained permanently crippled. Every fourth to fifth family was affected by loss of son, father, husband, or brother.

1915

First Scout Club established at Trenčín Piarist Gymnasium. After its dissolution in 1917, the club was renewed in 1921.

1916

In May, Summer Time was introduced in Trenčín for the first time.

1918

44 members of the 71st regiment in Serbian Kragujevac paid with their lives during the revolt of the regiment soldiers.

1918

Local Slovak National Assembly under direction of Dr. Karol Štúr was founded in Trenčín on November 6.

1918

First number of Trenčianske newspapers was published on December 25. JUDr. Karol Štúr was the founder, owner, and chief editor.

1919

At public census, number of Trenčín inhabitants for the first time exceeded the limit of 10,000 (10,191) people. 92% of them claimed Slovak citizenship. Trenčín ranked 15th among all Slovak cities.

1919

Founding meeting of Local Office of Matica Slovenská took place on November 16.

1919 Local branch of Sokol was established. K. Štúr became the first mayor. Seat of the local branch of Sokol, “Sokolovňa” was completed in 1935.
1920

Teachers from Trenčín, Ilava, and Púchov founded Chorus of Trenčín Teachers. The group was later renamed to Singing Choir of Trenčín Teachers (SZSU).

1920

Local office of Živena, society of Slovak women, was founded, with Kornélia Štúrová as director.

1920 71st Trenčín infantry regiment was reorganized and renumbered to 17th infantry regiment.
1921 Local office of Hunting Protection Society was established in Trenčín.
1923

Weekly periodical Trenčan began to be published. The periodical ceased to exist in 1945. Trenčín was no longer the Seat of District. Trenčín was not to be the seat of administrative unit larger than district (although the higher district unit (“Župa”) was revived between 1939 and 1945) until 2002, when Trenčín Self-Government Region was formed.

1926

Považské newspapers continued the tradition of Trenčianske newspapers.

1926

Branch of the Masaryk Aviation League was founded in Trenčín.

1934

New City Hall was built, based on the project of V. Šebor (today’s Municipal Offices)

1934

New Post Office building was built in the middle of the city square, based on the proposal of J. Paseka.

1934 - 1937

Municipal Saving Bank was built on the main square, based on the project of F. Silberstein – Silvan.

 

1936

Construction Company of O. Nekvasil from Prague built the premises of the Headquarters of the V. Army Brigade that had come to Trenčín a year before. Construction of airport in Trenčianske Biskupice began, with later establishment of Aviation Workshops (today’s LOT).

1937

Functionalistic building of Business Academy was constructed in Sihoť.

1938

Beginning of the construction of Catholic Culture House (today’s Hviezda), completed in 1940.

1939

Textile company Nehera (latter Odeva) established in Trenčín.

1940

Persecutions of Jewish citizens began. (Jewish community numbered around 1800 people)

1944

Executions of local and foreign anti-fascist soldiers began at Brezina in October. By April 3, 69 persons were murdered.

1944

13,647 people were already living in Trenčín.

1945

On April 10, Trenčín was liberated by the Soviet and Romanian armies.

1955

Beginning of systematic conservation and reconstruction of Trenčín castle.

1969

Gallery of Miloš Alexander Bazovský was founded.

1973

Children’s City in Zlatovce was opened.

1987 Mierové Square was declared Municipal Monument Reserve.
1991

Establishment of City University Bellevue, today’s College of Management.

1996

Trenčín Region came into existence on September 1.

1997 Motorway strip near Trenčín was opened. 
1997 University of Trenčín was established on July 1.
1998 Gallery of Naïve Arts (today’s Municipal Gallery) was established.
1999 New indoor swimming pool was opened in Sihoť.

21th century

2000 Reconstruction of outdoor swimming pool in Sihoť.
2001

Gallery of M.A. Bazovský moved to new facilities on Palackého Street.

2002

Establishment of the Trenčín Regional Government unit on January 1.

2002

Meeting of the Vysegrad Four and Benelux representatives at Trenčín castle in May 24-25.

2003

Part of Trenčín castle’s western fortification structure fell on March 7.