Description
Bystrica Castle (Považský Castle) is a national cultural monument and is of very unique value to the Považie region. Its safeguarding is crucial. Currently, the castle is administered by the Association of Bystrica Castle which is focused on saving and restoring the castle. At the moment the castle and its surroundings do not meet safety requirements for visitors. To save the castle from further damage and to open it up to the broader public, the rock massive on which the castle is founded needs to be anchored and work needs to be carried out to protect the castle from landslides and rockfall. The castle and its history offer potential for raising awareness about our natural and cultural heritage; an educational trail will be established in the area of the castle. The project contributes to the promotion of tourism in the Považie region, directly and indirectly offering potential for job creation.
Summary of project results
Static surveys and other documentation showed the need for the reconstruction, which prevents the collapse of the oldest part of the castle. With more people coming to visit this monument, the movement in the castle was dangerous. The reconstruction works at the Považský Castle were carried out by members of the civil association - Association of the Castle of Bystrica. The subject of the project was the reconstruction of the most endangered and inaccessible part of Považský Castle. The project was aimed at the reconstruction of the castle chapel, which was situated on the most disintegrated part of the bedrock. In order to ensure safe movement of people as well as the accessibility of the object and the protection of uncovered parts of the architecture, a viewing bridge with a binocular was installed. An educational walkway was built at the castle's area. In the courtyard there is a bronze model of the castle, illustrating its state at the end of the 17th century. The movement of visitors around the castle was provided with handrails; new rubbish bins and bike stands are available. Several 100 m3 of excavated earth was explored; new architectures were discovered. The rocky cliff remediation consisted of the removing of the natural greenery, securing the surrounding area from the loosen rock damage. All the materials used, as well as the chosen technology, assume that project outputs will serve its purpose for many decades. Promotion and publicity - a website, a TV spot, brochures, promotional items, newsletters, banners and print media outputs were created. 2 follow-up conferences were held. All required outcomes and goals were met. Expectations of the end-user are considered to be fulfilled: increased number of visitors to Považský Castle, interest of the project partner, media and associations focused on monuments reconstruction, experts in the field of conservation of the monuments. Outputs/goals of the project achieved: Preserved and restored cultural heritage that has been made accessible to the public, Established new educational walkway in the Považský Castle area. Project outcomes initial value was 0. After the completion of the project, 158 anchors were injected into the castle rock cliff, 300m3 of masonry was used and palace object was examined by the archaeological research. 1 bronze model of the castle created, 1 binocular, 89 m2 of protective net, 2 bike stands, 1 entry board, terrain obstacle made of 12 oak elements, 12 three-stage stairs, 4 rubbish bins, 11 places to sit and 11 information boards.
Summary of bilateral results