📝 Detailed information
🏢 About the local organisation
The association Black Castle is focused on promoting Black Castle ruins for the local tourism. It is involved in carrying out archaeological research and restoration of the castle. The archaeological excavations are performed in the cooperation with The National Bureau of Monuments of the Slovak Republic by using traditional methods and materials during the restoration works. Workcamps have been organized here since 2005.
💼 What the programme involves
Reconstruction work in the area of perished medieval castle from 13th century – “Black Castle“. It will involve manual work on the ruins of the castle, such as walling, preparing mortar, cleaning the working area in and around the ruins of the castle, sorting stones, carrying materials (rocks, sand, …) to the castle, cutting grass. No building and archeological experience are needed. The working hours will be from Monday to Friday, approximately 9:00 – 10:00, including a lunch break. By participating to this project you contribute to protecting the local cultural heritage (UN SDG 11).
🏠 Accommodation on site
This is a unique possibility for volunteers to experience one week in beautiful surrounding of the castle without electricity and wifi signal. Accommodation will be provided in the house in the forest. Volunteers will sleep on beds. It is necessary to bring a sleeping bag. The toilets are dry (outhouses) and the showers will be provided in the house in the village. There will not be access to running water, so water will be delivered or taken from a well. Food will be cooked by leaders and the volunteers themselves. They will be divided in the kitchen teams and will prepare meals together; the groceries will be provided. On request, vegetarian meals can be provided.
📍 About the location
The place of the camp is situated in the village of Zlatno, 17 km north-east from town Zlate Moravce, app. 130 km east from Bratislava. Be careful, there is another Zlatno (region Poltar) in different region of Slovakia. Zlatno was one of the many villages in Slovakia known for gold washing in the middle ages. This was also a reason why the castle was built in such a remote place, far from the trading routes and cities. Volunteers can learn more about history of the Black Castle and other castles in the region. The surrounding area offers many opportunities for hiking. There will be some free time activities planned by leaders of camp such as games, workshops, trips.
The workcamp will be visited by INEX Messenger who will organize a workshop focused on current events in Europe. The volunteers will prepare the "Feast of cultures" - an international food evenings, and will join the “volunteering footprint” workshop. Our camps will follow the rules of the Sustainability campaign.
⚠️ Requirements
The camp is for history and nature lovers and for those who are not afraid to accept the challenge of living without electricity, running water and wifi for one week surrounded by beautiful nature!
For more info about the project, please visit: www.ciernyhrad.sk
COVID-19 rules (may change depending on the course of the pandemic): We will only accept volunteers who are either fully vaccinated (2 or 3 shots) or recovered. We ask all volunteers to book refundable tickets, INEX Slovakia cannot reimburse any travel tickets, no matter the circumstances.
ℹ️ Additional information
Sleeping bags, working clothes, gloves, warm clothes, raincoat, strong boots, flashlight and good spirit :) are needed. Also, if possible, music instruments and games from your country.