Vrbové: Bell Tower, Synagogue and Beňovský

Vrbové has an unusual historical landmark: The leaning bell tower is a tourist attraction; because of it, the town is nicknamed “Slovak Pisa”.

Culture

The history of the tower in Vrbové can be traced through three significant points in time: The foundation stone for the bell tower was laid on 7 May 1832; the tower was completed in 1835. On 28 October 1930, the bell tower suddenly began to lean after prolonged rainfall.

St. Martin’s Church is the oldest architectural monument in Vrbové; the first written mention dates from 1332 to 1337. It was probably built towards the end of the 14th century as a new single-nave stone Gothic church; older schematisms list 1397 as the year of construction. The differing details preserve the distinction between the written mention, the probable construction date and the later recorded year of construction. In the rear part of the church’s northern nave is a mechanical moving Nativity scene.

The Vrbové synagogue was built in the Moorish style in 1882–1883 and has not been used for religious purposes since 1942. At the time the present synagogue was built, Jewish residents made up one third of Vrbové’s population. The building thus combines a specific construction period with a documented change in its use.

The manor house where Count Móric Beňovský was born dates from the second half of the 17th century. The “Beňovský svet” monument presents the interesting and adventurous life story of Móric Beňovský. The Beňovský Monument 2026 is part of the presentation of Count Móric Beňovský in his hometown of Vrbové. This thematic area therefore brings together his birthplace, biographical presentation and the monument presentation specified for 2026.

The historical exhibition of the town of Vrbové is temporarily inaccessible due to reconstruction. Guided tours of the town and access to Vrbové’s historical sites must be arranged at least one working day before the planned visit and confirmed by a town employee. The information about the exhibition, guided tours and historical sites concerns scheduling and is distinct from the individual histories of the buildings.

Cycling

The Zelená cesta cycling route connects Piešťany and Vrbové. The almost 18-kilometre route is intended for recreation and cycling tourism. Its connection between two towns and the stated route length form a separate focus alongside the dated buildings and visits that must be arranged in advance.

For Vrbové, you can compare hotels based on travel dates, room category and cancellation policies. This allows the practical accommodation information to be considered separately from the historical buildings, visit arrangements and cycling route.

Other places in the selection: Moravany Nad Váhom, Krakovany, Chtelnica, Trebatice, Ostrov, Ducové, Pistian and Rakovice.

To the higher-level travel overview: Piešťany District.