Trip to Starý hrad

A group of five convicts from the Žilina institution took a walk to Starý hrad and its surroundings on August 13, 2026. The sunny weather created ideal conditions for the realization of the program. After a short walk through the city, the group moved by train to Nezbudská Lúčka, from where they continued along the hiking trail towards Starý hrad. It belongs to the oldest fortresses above the Váh River; its origins date back to the 13th century, and in the past, it served as an important guard point over the trade route passing through the Strečno Gorge.

During the climb, the convicts learned about the history of the castle, its strategic importance, and the current state of ongoing conservation work, in which volunteers and local associations have long been involved. As a symbolic form of assistance in the restoration of the cultural monument, they carried up several stones intended for minor masonry repairs, thus continuing the tradition of volunteer support for preserving the castle for future generations.

The views from the castle rock were extremely impressive – the panorama of the Váh River, the Strečno Gorge, and the surrounding forests created an atmosphere that naturally encouraged reflection on a better future, personal responsibility, and the importance of positive changes in life. Thus, the walk fulfilled its resocialization purpose.