Vrbove: Cultural History and Cycling

Vrbové combines a multifaceted cultural history with a clearly defined opportunity for cycling tourism. If you would like to combine historic buildings with a cycling route during your trip to Slovakia, you will find various points of interest here: the leaning bell tower, St. Martin’s Church, the synagogue, memorial sites connected with Móric Beňovský, and the Zelená cesta.

Bell Tower and St. Martin’s Church

The bell tower of Vrbové has an unusual construction history. Its 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. Today, the leaning bell tower is a tourist attraction; because of it, Vrbové is also called “Slovak Pisa.” The designation thus refers to a specific historic building and its documented inclination. St. Martin’s Church is the oldest historic monument in Vrbové. The first written record dates from 1332 to 1337. The church was probably built toward the end of the 14th century as a new single-nave stone Gothic church. Older schematisms list 1397 as the year of construction. In the rear part of the northern nave, there is also a mechanical moving nativity scene. St. Martin’s therefore highlights both its medieval architectural history and a distinctive piece of interior furnishing.

Synagogue and Memorial Sites

The synagogue of Vrbové was built in the Moorish style from 1882 to 1883. At the time of its construction, Jewish residents made up one third of Vrbové’s population. Since 1942, the synagogue has no longer been used for religious purposes. This chronological context is part of the building’s history and distinguishes today’s perception of the structure from its original religious function. Móric Beňovský is also connected with Vrbové. The manor house where Count Móric Beňovský was born dates from the second half of the 17th century. The “Beňovský svet” monument presents his fascinating and adventurous life story. The “Beňovský Monument 2026” forms part of the presentation of Count Móric Beňovský in his native town of Vrbové.

Arrange Your Visit in Advance

The historical exhibition of the town of Vrbové is temporarily inaccessible due to reconstruction. Town tours and access to Vrbové’s historic sites must be arranged at least one working day before the planned visit and confirmed by a town employee. The temporary inaccessibility of the exhibition must therefore be distinguished from the separate regulations for tours and historic sites. If you would like to include these offerings in your plans, you should take the required arrangement into account before your visit.

Cycling to Vrbové

The Zelená cesta cycling route connects Piešťany and Vrbové. It is nearly 18 kilometres long and serves recreation and cycling tourism. Alongside the historic sights, this provides a clearly documented option for travelling by bicycle. The route can be considered a separate focus, while the bell tower, church, synagogue, and Beňovský memorial sites shape Vrbové’s cultural character. If you would also like to explore other places, you will find Pistian (Pistian), Moravany Nad Váhom (Moravany Nad Váhom), Ducové (Ducové), Krakovany (Krakovany), Ostrov (Ostrov), Sokolovce (Sokolovce), Rakovice (Rakovice) and Trebatice (Trebatice).

For the broader travel overview: Piešťany District.