The Renaissance City Tower is one of Trnava’s main landmarks. After climbing 143 steps, you will reach the observation deck above the historic centre, offering views of the city’s church towers, the surrounding area and, in good weather, the Little Carpathians.
1574
construction began
57 m
tower height
143
steps
29 m
height of the observation deck
Why visit the City Tower
The City Tower is one of the most distinctive landmarks in Trnava’s historic centre and one of the best places to see Little Rome from a completely different perspective. From the observation deck, you can look across the city centre with its characteristic church towers, Trinity Square and the surrounding districts.
The climb itself is also a journey through the tower’s history. Inside, a historic clock mechanism has been preserved, while the building still recalls its former role as a watchtower. Its façade and upper sections also contain details that are easy to miss from street level.
Photo gallery
Climbing the tower and the view
A total of 143 steps lead to the observation deck. It is located approximately 29 metres above the ground, although the City Tower itself reaches a height of 57 metres.
From the observation deck, visitors can enjoy panoramic views across Trnava’s historic centre. Particularly prominent are the numerous church towers that gave the city its nickname, Little Rome, as well as Trinity Square and the surrounding neighbourhoods. In good weather, the Little Carpathians can also be seen in the distance.
The tower is not wheelchair accessible
The observation deck is reached by climbing 143 steps and there is no lift inside the tower.
Watching over Trnava since the 16th century
The City Tower was built in the second half of the 16th century, when Trnava was an important free royal town. Its construction began in 1574 and is associated with a master mason named Jakub. The tall tower served both practical and representative purposes – it allowed guards to monitor the town and its surroundings while also symbolising Trnava’s importance and prosperity.
Guards stationed in the tower primarily watched for fires and other dangers. When a fire was spotted, the watchman alerted residents and signalled which part of the town was affected. The watch service continued on the tower for centuries.
The tower itself did not escape Trnava’s devastating fires. It was damaged in 1666 and again in 1683, and underwent several repairs and alterations over the following centuries, gradually taking on the appearance it has today.
Did you know?
A gilded statue of the Virgin Mary – the Immaculata – stands at the top of the City Tower. It has two faces so that, according to tradition, it never turns its back on any part of the city.
The clock mechanism from 1729
One of the most interesting technical monuments hidden inside the tower is its mechanical clock mechanism dating from 1729. The historic mechanism is still operational today and controls five clock faces on the tower.
The Nemček family has looked after the clock mechanism for several generations. During occasional special guided tours, visitors can also learn more about how this historic mechanism works.
Look out for
Sundial
The southern façade of the tower features the only preserved historic sundial in Trnava.
Five clock faces
The historic clock mechanism dating from 1729 controls five clock faces positioned around the tower.
Practical information
Opening hours
Mon–Fri: 11:00–17:00
Sat–Sun: 10:00–18:00
Admission
Adult: €4
Student, senior, disability card holder: €3
Child: €2
Children under 6: free
Recommended visit length
At least 30 minutes
Access to the observation deck
143 steps, no lift
Payment
Card and cash
Entrance
Štefánikova 1, Trnava
Tickets
Tickets are sold at the Tourist Information Centre on the ground floor of the City Tower.
Where to find the City Tower
The City Tower is located directly in Trnava’s historic centre. The entrance is on Štefánikova Street at Štefánikova 1.
Frequently asked questions
There are 143 steps leading to the viewing gallery.
The City Tower is 57 metres tall. The publicly accessible viewing gallery is located approximately 29 metres above the ground.
No. The viewing gallery can only be reached by stairs and is not wheelchair accessible.
We recommend allowing at least around 30 minutes for a visit.
The entrance is on Štefánikova Street at Štefánikova 1, directly next to Trinity Square.