Trip to the Old Castle

A group of five convicted persons from the Žilina institution went on an outing to the Old Castle and its surroundings on August 13, 2026. The sunny weather created ideal conditions for the program. After a short walk through the city, the group took a train to Nezbudská Lúčka, from where they continued along a hiking trail towards the Old Castle. It is one of 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 above the trade route passing through the Strečno Strait.

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

The views from the castle cliff were exceptionally impressive – the panorama of the Váh, the Strečno Strait, 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. The outing thus fulfilled its resocialization purpose.