Komárno
Komárno Places to See
- Town Hall
- Europe Place
- Water Tower
- Fortress
Komárno is a small town extending on the left bank of our biggest river Vah. It is situated only about 20km (12.4mi) southeast of the Hungarian capital of Budapest. Thus the trip from Komarno to Budapest is shorter than the one to the capital of Bratislava.The city outskirts lie at the confluence of the largest Slovak river Váh and the Danube River.
The city is bilingual – the signs are written in both Hungarian and Slovak languages. Komárno is one of the oldest Slovak towns. It was particularly Ladislaus the Posthumous who made the city famous. Born in Komárno, he was crowned the King of Hungary and Bohemia and he also ruled in Croatia and Austria. Mór Jókay is another famous person born in this city. He is a popular author of historical novels.
Even though Komárno suffered many fires and floodings, its historical centre has remained well preserved.
The city is accessible from all four cardinal points. We will offer you a virtual tour starting in Štúrovo City in the east. The Reformed Church towers over the town since the 18th century. You can see it as you start the tour together with St. Rosalia’s Church built in the 19th century. Far on the horizon, you can spot a shadowy building typical for Komárno– a water tower. This 28-metre tall building constructed at the beginning of the 20th century is still in working conditions but due to the increasing water pressure it is not in use any more.
Pedestrian zone embellished with many architectural marvels is one of the most popular city parts for tourists visiting Komárno. Many buildings have been lately reconstructed. At the first glance you will certainly spot the Town Hall situated at the Klapka Square. It was destroyed many times but it has been always reconstructed and renovated. When the clock tower strikes the noon, the tower door opens and a little metal soldier comes out to the sound of a marching song.
A Holy Trinity Column is a magnificent Baroque monument originally from the 17th century. It is the city’s oldest monument, located only a few steps from the Town Hall. The Column was reconstructed in 1992 and is beautifully lit with spotlights.
You should not miss the building of the former Officer’s Pavilion, which used to serve as an accommodation of the royal and imperial troops and their families. The building frontage is still marked with Franz Joseph I of Austria’s motto: VIRIBVS VNITIS - Virtus Unita Fortior – Virtue united is stronger.
A pentagon-shaped fortress situated no more than 500 metres (0.3mi) from the Pavilion used to be the greatest fortress of the Hungarian Empire. A large reconstruction of the Pavilion was carried out in the 19th century.
It was constructed to shelter the two thousand men army. Legend has it that no one was strong enough to capture it, not even by trickery. For example, it resisted the Turkish raids or the strong Napoleon’s army. Nowadays you can see a casemate, military barracks and bastions in the location. You can visit a unique bastion with a Roman Lapidarium. You can also see the original Roman sarcophagi and epitaphs found in the Slovak territory. The fortress has also several defensive lines and small advance fortresses.
The admission fee is 50Skk (€1.65).
St. Andrew’s Church on Palatínova Street is the largest church in Komárno. It is decorated with impressive painted windowpanes. Its bells remind us of an earthquake that shook the city in 1783. The Danube Museum courtyard situated across the church is famous for the statue of Mór Jókay. The famous Hungarian novelist was born in Komárno in 1825.
You can get to Europe Place just passing an alley leading from the pedestrian zone. Europe Place is a unique, labyrinth-like area in the centre with the buildings purporting to represent all parts of Europe. It is a colourful and rich square with a beautiful fountain in the centre. There you will find various stores, souvenir shops, nice cafés and restaurants. The Place is surrounded with statues of important kings from the past that are connected in some way to Komárno’s history. You can see Béla IV of Hungary who granted Komárno the first town privileges, or Maria Theresa, the famous empress of Austria whose charter granted Komárno the status and the privilege of a free royal town.
Monument of the Danube Fleet and a monument commemorating the victims of violence were erected at the M.R. Štefánik Square in the park. On your way from Komárno, you can see an impressive Church of the Virgin Mary. Built in the late Baroque style, it used to serve as a museum in the 60s, but nowadays masses are served here again.
Komárno with its historical monuments, memorials and the people who never seem to be in a hurry will make a great impression on you. You are always welcome here; just do not forget your camera.
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