The castles of the Šariš region are not merely silent witnesses to the past. They are places with unique stories, tourist potential and, above all, places that bring together people who share a common interest in their preservation, restoration and revitalisation. It was precisely this cooperation, the exchange of experiences and the search for new opportunities for development that were the main themes of the mini-conference entitled The castles of the Šariš Castle Trail in tourism, which took place on 6 November 2026 at the premises of SNM – Museum of Rusyn Culture in Prešov.
The event was organised by the Šariš Region Regional Tourism Organisation (OOCR), for which the project line is Šariš Castle Route one of its long-term priorities. Its aim is to link the castles, their history, local communities and tourist experiences into a single tourism product that will introduce visitors to the region’s rich cultural heritage.
A shared vision for the castles of Šariš
The mini-conference was opened by the Executive Director of OOCR Šariš Region, Ing. Peter Halaj. The first session focused primarily on project development Šariš Castle Route, opportunities for cooperation and its further development.
Runa Tkáčiková, BSc, destination coordinator for the Šariš Region OOCR, presented the vision Šariš Castle Road as a comprehensive tourism product and the potential for its further development. This was followed by a presentation by Jana Jačišinová from the town of Veľký Šariš, who, using the example of Šariš Castle She highlighted the close link between the restoration of historic monuments and the development of tourism. Opportunities for promoting the region, public relations activities and mutual cooperation were presented by Mgr. Barbora Čechová from The Prešov Region Regional Tourism Organisation.
From the restoration of castles to their revitalisation
The second session featured specific practical examples, as well as an insight into the challenges faced by managers and restorers of historic buildings.
The mayor of Kapušany, Ing. Ján Zemčák, together with Ing. Zuzana Zemčáková from the Prešov Self-Governing Region Regional Development Agency, presented opportunities for supporting tourism through cross-border projects, using the example of Kapušiansky Castle.
Ing. Martin Sárossy, PhD., the driving force behind the restoration of castles in the Šariš region, also raised an important issue. In his presentation, he focused on ways of ensuring the management of smaller restored castles, which may not attract large numbers of visitors but whose historical and cultural value is irreplaceable for the region.
Ľuboš Porada, chairman of the Castellum Cassovia civic association and castellan of Košice Castle, provided inspiration from beyond the borders of the Šariš region. He outlined activities aimed at revitalising Košice Castle and its medieval history, which demonstrate how historical sites can be made more attractive to visitors through experiences, events and the work of civic associations.
Cooperation as the foundation of success
The mini-conference took place in a friendly and constructive atmosphere. The common thread running through the individual presentations was a shared interest in preserving the castle’s heritage, ensuring its meaningful use, and strengthening cooperation between local authorities, experts, civic associations and tourism organisations.
The closing panel discussion also provided a forum for exchanging views, focusing on support for the Šariš Castle Trail project and opportunities for developing joint tourism products. It is precisely by linking individual sites, promoting them jointly and providing mutual support that the castles can become an even more prominent part of the region’s tourism offering.
The programme was also enhanced by a guided tour SNM – Museum of Rusyn Culture in Prešov, during which the participants were guided by the museum’s director, Ing. Ján Holodňák.
The Šariš Castle Trail has plenty to build on
The castles of Šariš have centuries of history behind them, yet their future is being shaped today. Thanks to the work of volunteers, enthusiasts, local authorities and other partners, many of them are gradually being transformed into attractive destinations that offer visitors not only beautiful views, but also the chance to discover the region’s history right where it took place.
For the OOCR Šariš Region, this represents Šariš Castle Route a long-term opportunity to develop a unique tourism product based on authentic stories, local heritage and collaboration. The mini-conference provided a further opportunity for participants to get to know one another, exchange experiences and strengthen relationships amongst those who care about the castles of Šariš.
Because the future of our castles depends not only on their restored walls, but above all on the people who devote their time, energy and enthusiasm to them.
The event took place with financial support from the Ministry of Tourism and Sport of the Slovak Republic.
Source: OOCR RŠ
Source of photographs: OOCR RŠ
