Summary: Explore nature and history while helping with archaeological research and reconstruction of a 13th century castle in the east of Slovakia!

Partner: The Association for the rescue of the Brekov Castle is concerned with the conservation of the Brekov Castle, and renovating some of its parts. Besides this, the association is involved in collecting information about the Brekov castle, guide activities (from archives, literature, inhabitants), fundraising, providing information to the wide public and organizing cultural events connected with the castle. Workcamps have been organized on the Brekov Castle since 2009.

Work: Reconstruction work in the area of the ancient ruins of the castle Brekov from the 13th century. Much of the work will involve manual masonry works. The volunteers will help with the archaeological research on the castle. Cleaning and environmental activities will be also part of the work. The volunteers will learn the old techniques of masonry.

Brekov is a village near Humenne in the Presov Region of north-eastern Slovakia. The ruins of the Brekov Castle are located on the hill above the village and are in fairly good shape. Brekov Castle was built around 650 AD by the Slavonic nations. The area offers several possibilities for hiking or visiting several ruins of other castles.

Terminal: Airport, bus, train in Bratislava, or Kosice; then train or bus to Humenne. Volunteers will be picked up in Humenne and transported by the local partner directly to Brekov. Please keep in mind that the journey from Bratislava to Humenne takes around 8 hours. Plan your journey to Bratislava with arrival in the morning, or try to find flight connection directly to Kosice (2 hours from Humenne).

Accommodation & Food: Accommodation will be provided in the house in the village Brekov. In case of good weather there is a possibility to sleep in tents near the castle. It is necessary to bring a sleeping bag and a mat. Showers and facilities, hot water and fully equipped kitchen are provided in the house. Groceries will be provided by the local community. Food will be cooked by the volunteers themselves. On demand, vegetarian meals can be provided.

Englsih

[침낭 구비 안내]
개인 위생을 위해 침낭을 반드시 준비하시기 바랍니다.


[방한복 준비 안내]
야간에는 추울 수 있으므로 따뜻한 옷을 챙겨가시기 바랍니다.

Remarks: Sleeping bags and mats, working clothes, warm clothes, raincoat, strong boots and good spirit :) are needed.

Study Part: 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 festival for the local community, and will join the “volunteering footprint” workshop. Our camps will follow the rules of the Sustainability campaign

“Take working clothes and be ready for adventures!” In Cabrad you will have unforgettable experiences while renovating an old Slovak castle far from civilization!

Partner: The association RONDEL was established in the year 2000 and since then their main goal is the reparation of the ruins and promoting the Cabrad Castle and the area where it is located for local tourism. Cabrad is one of the least-known castles in Slovakia and was built to protect the surrounding mining towns in the area from the south during the time of the Ottoman invasion. Workcamps have been organized there since 2012.

Work: Work will be specifically aimed at preservation of the badly damaged ruins of the Cabrad castle. There are static defects (gaps and holes) in the masonry and volunteers will work on repairing them - preparing the stone, sand, mortar and materials that will be transported to the castle. The volunteers will help with cleaning the area of the castle, renovating the paths in the ruins. No specific skills required.

Study Part: The workcamp will be visited by INEX Messenger who will organize a workshop focused on current issues in Europe. The volunteers will prepare the "Feast of cultures" - an international food festival for the local community, and will join the “volunteering footprint” workshop. Our camps will follow the rules of Sustainability campaign.

Location and Leisure activity: CABRADSKY VRBOVOK, KRUPINA
The castle is located near the villages Cabradsky Vrbovok and Konske. They are villages near Krupina (16 km far away) located in the Central part of Slovakia. From the village Konske (4 km) you can get by walking to the ruins of the Cabrad Castle – the place of the workcamp. The meeting point will be in the village Cabradsky Vrbovok.
The castle is surrounded by beautiful nature and with several possibilities for hiking. There are interesting historical towns in the surrounding area and the region itself is interesting for historians, geologists and biologists alike.

Terminal: Airport – Bratislava; then train or bus to Zvolen, continuing by the bus to Krupina and then take the bus going to Cabradsky Vrbovok. Please keep in mind that the journey could take app. 4 hours, so please plan your journey to Bratislava with arrival in the morning.

Meeting point: Cabradsky Vrbovok, local pub named "U mna", around 5 pm.

The Cabrad Castle is situated on the west slopes of Krupina Mountains. It is 4 km far from the civilization so there is no electricity and no public transport. The only water supply available is in the valley and has to be carried up. Accommodation is in the attic of the castle gate. There is a dry, wooden floor and mattresses are available. There is no heating and the nights are cold. Bring a warm sleeping bag and a mat. The building has 2 floors; you need to climb upstairs using a wooden ladder. There is no electricity in the castle - only candles and torches (it is highly recommended to bring your own). If you have your own tent, you can build it in the courtyard of the castle. A kitchen on solid fuel furnace, open fire, or a small camping gas cooker will be used for preparing meals. The volunteers will help with cooking. On demand, vegetarian meals can be provided.

English

[여행자 보험 안내]
To join the workcamp in Slovakia you have to be insured. Do not forget to take your insurance with you.

[침낭 구비 안내]
개인 위생을 위해 침낭을 반드시 준비하시기 바랍니다.

[방한복 준비 안내]
야간에는 추울 수 있으므로 따뜻한 옷을 챙겨가시기 바랍니다.

Bring a warm sleeping bag and a mat (for little bit of extra comfort), working clothes and gloves, warm clothes, raincoat, strong boots, torch, bowl, spoon and a smile on your lips :) You can also take musical instruments and something typical from your country that you would like to share with other volunteers and the local community.

Attention: HLC – Hard living conditions. HDW - Hard Work.
The camp is for history and nature lovers and for those who are not afraid to accept the challenge of living in difficult conditions for two weeks surrounded by beautiful nature!

For more info about the project and the history of the castle please access: http://www.rondel.sk/inex-information/