St. Urban Tower

St. Urban Tower, known locally as Urbanova veža, is a prominent historical landmark in Košice, Slovakia. This striking bell tower, dedicated to St. Urban, the patron saint of winemakers, stands proudly next to the grand St. Elizabeth's Cathedral. Together with St. Elizabeth's Cathedral and St. Michael's Chapel, St. Urban Tower was declared a national cultural monument in 1970, underscoring its significance in Slovak history and culture.

The History of St. Urban Tower

The origins of St. Urban Tower date back to the second half of the 16th century when it was constructed as a bell tower for the Gothic cathedral. The tower has witnessed several transformations over the centuries. In 1628, it underwent a mannerist reconstruction led by the Prešov builder Martin Lindtner. This renovation is commemorated by a marble plaque above the entrance, adorned with the city's coat of arms and inscriptions.

Tragically, a great fire in 1556 ravaged both the tower and the cathedral, melting their bells. From the remnants, a new colossal bell named Urban was cast in 1557 by the Olomouc bell-founder František Illenfeld. This bell, weighing five tons, became a defining feature of the tower.

The tower saw further modifications in 1775 when its pyramidal roof was replaced with a Baroque onion dome, topped with a metal cross. In the early 19th century, the tower was capped with an Empire-style roof, and small shops were established on the ground floor. These shops remained until 1911-1912 when they were replaced by a representative arcade, protecting tombstones from the cathedral and a nearby medieval cemetery, now embedded in the tower's masonry. This arcade was expanded during the war years of 1943-1944.

A devastating fire in 1966 destroyed the Urban bell and the roof of the tower. Between 1967 and 1971, the tower underwent restoration to its current form. In 1977, an exhibition on artistic metal casting by the East Slovak Museum was installed in the tower. However, the original Urban bell, damaged by the fire, was pieced together and has been displayed in front of the tower since 1989. A functioning replica of the bell was cast as a gift to the city by the masters of the East Slovak Ironworks in 1996 and has been hanging in the tower ever since.

Exploring St. Urban Tower

Visiting St. Urban Tower is like stepping into a time capsule, offering a glimpse into the rich history of Košice. As you approach the tower, you are greeted by the sight of the original Urban bell, a testament to the city's resilience and dedication to preserving its heritage.

The ground floor arcade, adorned with historical tombstones, provides a somber yet fascinating insight into the lives of those who once walked the streets of Košice. The marble plaque above the entrance, with its intricate inscriptions and city coat of arms, tells the story of the tower's reconstruction and the people who played a pivotal role in its history.

Inside the tower, the exhibition on artistic metal casting showcases the remarkable craftsmanship of the region. This exhibition, installed by the East Slovak Museum, features a variety of metalwork artifacts, highlighting the importance of this craft in the cultural and industrial history of Slovakia.

The Urban Bell and Its Inscriptions

The original Urban bell, now displayed in front of the tower, bears inscriptions that offer a glimpse into the past. The inscriptions, although partially worn, are still legible and convey a message from the Bible's Book of Isaiah (40:6-8): All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the Lord blows on it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.

This poignant message, inscribed on the bell, serves as a reminder of the transient nature of life and the enduring power of faith and tradition.

Recent Renovations and Future Prospects

In February 2020, a long-awaited renovation of St. Urban Tower commenced, organized by the non-profit organization Perly Gotickej cesty (Pearls of the Gothic Route). This organization, established by the city of Košice and the Roman Catholic Parish of St. Elizabeth in 2004, aims to support spiritual and cultural values. The renovation, funded by European grants and the Košice self-governing region's budget, was completed in February 2021, giving the tower a fresh white facade. Prior to the renovation, heritage research confirmed that the tower's origins were not medieval, as previously believed.

Today, St. Urban Tower stands as a symbol of Košice's rich history and cultural heritage. While the tower currently awaits further restoration, its legacy continues to inspire and captivate visitors from around the world. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or simply a curious traveler, a visit to St. Urban Tower is a journey through time, offering a unique perspective on the enduring spirit of Košice.