City tower (Mestská veža)

It truly is the gateway to the “main” Mierové Square, as it once bore the name Lower Gate. Begin your pleasant walk through the city’s historic center under the arches of the City Tower, but for romantic views or original photographs, it’s worth climbing all the way to the top.

The City Tower was likely built as part of the city’s fortifications in the early 15th century. From the High Middle Ages until today, it has served as the southern entrance to Mierové Square. The Gothic tower of the city gate and its passage is vaulted with a pointed Gothic arch. The original gate had only two floors and was built on a square base. It was later rebuilt, raised, and strengthened by the construction of a semicircular barbican with a smaller protruding bastion, which could be entered via a drawbridge. The tower was gradually extended into an octagonal floor plan, resulting in the current six stories. The fortifications were demolished in 1857.

At the top of the tower, there used to be a Renaissance clock mechanism from the 16th century. It was replaced by electric tower clocks in 1934. These clocks are still in the tower today as an exhibition item. However, if you’re curious about the original timekeeping device, you can see it at the Executioner’s House.

While observing the 32-meter-tall tower, history lovers will also notice a captivating reminder of Trenčín’s past in the form of a Latin inscription:
“NISI DOMINUS CUSTODIERIT CIVITATEM, FRUSTRA VIGILAT, QUI CUSTODIT EAM”,
which is visible from both approaches and proclaims the medieval motto of Trenčín:
Unless the Lord guards the City, the watchman stays awake in vain.

 

The Tower as a Gallery

The beautiful arched square already offers a generous view of the city’s dominant landmark – Trenčín Castle. From the City Tower, you can see it from a different and slightly higher perspective. The same goes for the Parish Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. From the circular observation deck, you can look in all directions and admire the balconies of historic buildings on the square, or the Piarist Church and the well-known Jewish synagogue from above.

Tower’s interior currently serves as exhibition space for the work of various artists, adding a special dimension to the visit of this monument.

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The City Tower is accessible by elevator from Sládkovičova Street to the first observation deck (balcony), even for people with reduced mobility. The stairs inside the tower must then be climbed on foot.

 

Opening hours:

February – April: Monday–Sunday: 11:00–17:00

May – September: Monday–Sunday: 10:00–18:00

October – November: Monday–Sunday: 11:00–17:00

December: Monday–Sunday: 10:00–18:00

Opening hours may vary during events (May Festival, Night of Museums and Galleries, PTB, Christmas).

Closed: January

Entrance fees:

children up to 6 years: for free
children over 6 years, students, pensioners and disabled: 1,00 €
adults: 2 €
price for group with more than 10 children: 0,50 €/ child
price for group with more than 10 adults: 1,00€/ adult

Contact:

Kultúrno-informačné centrum Trenčín (Tourist Office)
Mierové námestie 9
Tel.: +421 (0)32 16 186
E-mail: kic@trencin.sk

Web:

Gallery

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