Trenčín, Slovakia, a 2026 European Capital of Culture
In 2026, Trenčín in Slovakia holds the title of European Capital of Culture, alongside Oulu in Finland. For one year, the historic city on the banks of the Váh River will serve as a focal point for European cultural exchange.
Launched in 1985, the European Capitals of Culture initiative recognises cities across Europe for their cultural richness and diversity. Centred on the theme “Curiosity”, Trenčín’s programme promotes dialogue between generations and artistic disciplines, encouraging residents and visitors to engage with new ideas. Public spaces across the city are redefined as environments for creativity, inclusion, and everyday cultural participation, integrating artistic expression into urban life.
Trenčín, located close to the Czech border, is visible in this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image acquired on 7 November 2025.
Galileo and Copernicus support cultural heritage by providing high-precision satellite positioning and Earth Observation data, which enable the accurate documentation, monitoring, and preservation of historical sites. These data help identify environmental and structural changes over time, supporting conservation planning and risk management strategies.