Peter Pastier: Life Between the Walls of Beckov Castle

The Beginnings That Led Peter to Castles

Peter Pastier is the director of the non-profit organization Hrad Beckov, n.o. His relationship with history, especially castles, was largely shaped by his parents. When he was a child growing up in South Bohemia, they often went on trips together to various castle ruins and historical landmarks in the area. Later came books and eventually his own motivation to study history. However, even during university, he never imagined that one day he would become the manager of one of Slovakia’s most visited and, in his opinion, most beautiful castles.

For nearly ten years, he worked in the tourism industry. However, he only became involved with castles during his time at the structures of Trenčín Museum. Within the organization, he held several positions, one of which included managing Trenčín Castle. When the opportunity arose and Beckov Castle was looking for a director for its association of legal entities, he applied for the position and succeeded. Since then, nine years have passed, and the work still fulfills and motivates him, whether through working with the public or directly restoring the castle as a national cultural monument.

Small Team, Big Responsibility

What surprised you the most when you arrived at Beckov Castle?

First of all, it’s important to realize that I came from the environment of Trenčín Castle, which has many covered, enclosed spaces with exhibitions. Trenčín Museum is one of the largest museums in Slovakia in terms of both the number of sites it manages and the number of staff it employs. When I was responsible for castle management there, I directly worked with around forty people, from cleaners and guides to maintenance staff, marketing, and sales teams.

Then you move to Beckov Castle, where there is not a single enclosed historical space. The organization is not a museum with its own collection items, and for managing the castle you only have one permanent employee, the castellan, along with a few seasonal workers. Even the operational system of the organization is built on completely different foundations than in Trenčín. You have to find funding for everything yourself: salaries, events, restoration, and maintenance. If you cannot secure the money, nobody will simply give it to you.

However, there were positives as well. There was already an established event system and facilities created in the lower courtyard for visitor services. There were also people with strong ties to the castle and a genuine interest in caring for it. There was something to build on and room to grow. So yes, there were definitely many surprising things.

Everyday Life at the Castle

Throughout the year, the castle attracts different groups of visitors, and the responsibilities awaiting us also change with the seasons. Many people think that during winter, when the castle is closed to the public, we are simply resting. For me, however, it is the period of preparations and grant writing, which is among the most demanding parts of the year.

That is also why I do not give new colleagues a three-month probation period, but rather a full year, so both sides can understand how to handle the different situations that the year brings. This job is highly varied, attractive in many ways, but also demanding in terms of time, mental energy, and occasionally physical effort.

Personally, I love the winter days at the castle when it is covered in snow, there are no visitors around, and while walking through its grounds in silence, I hear only the crunching snow beneath my feet. I also enjoy summer evenings, as well as the moments when you guide visitors through the castle, although unfortunately I do not get to do that very often anymore, and they appreciate the time and attention you gave them.

Peter’s Tips for Trips Around Beckov

Definitely visit Ambro Noble Residence directly in Beckov, where you will find a museum. I would also recommend exploring the educational trail through the village, which documents its rich history and the personalities who were either born in Beckov or worked there.

I was also very impressed by the J. M. Hurban Beekeeping Educational Trail, an easy yet beautiful approximately 4 km route leading from Kálnica to Beckov.

Beckovské Skalice also have their own unique charm. It is definitely worth visiting Haluzice Gorge along with its fortified church and the Hájnica Viewpoint, which offers a beautiful view of Beckov Castle.

Another interesting place is Žito v sýpke. During the summer, I recommend swimming at Zelená Voda and visiting nearby castles such as Čachtice Castle and Tematín Castle, or the Miniature Park Podolie.

What’s New at Beckov Castle in 2026

The 2026 season will certainly be attractive not only because of its rich program but also thanks to the opening of new castle spaces. I will start with probably the biggest news. In July, we will open the western wing of the northern palace. Visitors can look forward to exploring three floors of this Gothic palace along with completely new views. In the eastern wing, we will open the final room featuring a unique hypocaust system, a furnace used for underfloor heating of the upper floors of the northern palace.

As part of the event program, visitors can once again look forward to more than 50 programs and events during weekends. For example, there is the very “delicious” Historical Cuisine Festival on August 29, and the unconventional evening event In Wine There Are Stars on May 23, combining wine tasting, great music, stargazing, and illuminated interiors and exteriors of the castle at night.

As part of European Capital of Culture 2026, we would also like to participate with the event History in Colors and Tones (June 6–7), which presents medieval and early modern fashion alongside works by contemporary students from secondary schools and universities focused on fashion design in Trenčín, Zlín, and Bratislava.

The Japanese Weekend at Beckov Castle (July 25–26) is also very popular, as are the evening concerts. This year, performers will include Zuzana Smatanová (June 12), Peter Nagy (July 3), and Olympic (August 7).

Within the European Capital of Culture 2026 program, we would also like to present the sound installation Gordon Monahan: Piano Listening to Itself (April–May).

In cooperation with the Moravian Cimburk Castle, we will launch a new feature connecting both castles through the mobile application Behind Castle Stories, as well as a physical installation directly at the castles. However, this will not be a standard audio guide. Instead, it will offer a playful form of storytelling through characters who lived at the castle during the Middle Ages, engaging visitors in castle-life stories through tasks and games. At the end, the game will be evaluated and visitors rewarded.

Over the past few years, the dragon Blundus by the castle well has gradually deteriorated, so we decided to give him a new form. During the summer, not only younger visitors can look forward to the exhibition Dragons and Dragon Slayers (July–August).

And that is far from everything.