A leaning bell tower gives Vrbove a distinctive cultural and historical landmark. With St. Martin’s Church, the synagogue and memorial sites dedicated to Móric Beňovský, the range of themes extends from buildings to biographies. If you are planning a stay focused on the town’s history, you can get to know Vrbove through its varied architectural and commemorative themes. The arrangements for guided tours and access to historic sites are also important when planning your visit.
The Leaning Bell Tower
The bell tower of Vrbove is a tourist attraction; because of it, the town is also called “Slovak Pisa.” The foundation stone was laid on 7 May 1832, and the tower was completed in 1835. On 28 October 1930, it suddenly began to lean after prolonged rainfall. The timeline distinguishes the construction period from the later change: nearly a century after its completion, the tilt became a defining event in the tower’s history.
St. Martin’s Church and the Synagogue
St. Martin’s Church is the oldest architectural monument in Vrbove. Its first written mention dates from 1332 to 1337. At the rear of the north aisle is a mechanical, moving nativity scene. The church thus brings together an early written reference and a specific decorative feature. Those interested in cultural history will find different aspects here: the documented mention of the building and the distinctive nativity scene inside.
The synagogue was built in 1882–1883 in the Moorish style. At the time of its construction, Jewish residents made up one third of Vrbove’s population. The synagogue has not been used for religious purposes since 1942. Its architecture, the population structure at the time and its later change in use offer different ways to explore the building’s history. The construction period and the population share refer to the same historical phase; the information about religious use describes a later change.
Beňovský and the Zelená cesta Cycling Route
The manor house where Count Móric Beňovský was born dates from the second half of the 17th century. The “Beňovský svet” monument presents the story of his adventurous life. Alongside the buildings, it also brings into focus the biography of a figure associated with Vrbove.
The Zelená cesta cycling route offers a different focus. It connects Piešťany and Vrbove, is almost 18 kilometres long, and is intended for recreation and cycling tourism. It was officially opened on 15 June 2025. Vrbove therefore offers both cultural and historical themes and a route specifically dedicated to cycling and recreational tourism—two different ways to shape a stay.
Plan Your Visit and Access
Guided tours and access to Vrbove’s historic sites must be arranged at least one working day before your planned visit and confirmed by a town employee. This rule has been in effect since 1 January 2025; check the current arrangements before your trip. In addition, the town’s historical exhibition is temporarily inaccessible due to renovation. Before your visit, check whether this restriction is still in place. This will help you plan your sightseeing around the applicable conditions.
Discover more destinations: Sokolovce, Pistian, Moravany Nad Váhom, Chtelnica, Ducové, Krakovany, Banka, Rakovice
Go to the main travel overview: Okres Piešťany.
