About Firemen's Tower
The Firemen's Tower rises in the Centrul Nou district of Satu Mare, in a small park near Piața Libertății. It is 47 m tall and was built in 1903–1904 on the initiative of the Roman Catholic bishop Gyula Meszlényi, who put up 20,000 gold crowns to move the fire-watching post from the cathedral tower. The design is by Ferencz Dittler and the construction was carried out by Lajos Vajnay; a plaque on the façade commemorates all three.
The tower was used to spot fires, and in 1925 it received the first radio antenna in Satu Mare. In 1939 its demolition was proposed, for fear of air raids, but it escaped, and in the Second World War shrapnel left 33 marks on its walls. Once the telephone became widespread, the tower lost its original role and became a tourist attraction; renovated in 2005, with an observation platform at the top, it was reopened on 13 September 2005. Today it is run by the "G. M. Zamfirescu" Cultural Centre.
What you can see
The tower has a square base of red brick, with white cornices and commemorative plaques, from which rises the slender round shaft, crowned by a circular balcony with an iron railing and a small cupola. You climb a spiral metal staircase of 154 steps to the balcony, from where you can see the panorama of the city.
Good to know
The tower is open seasonally, from April to the end of September, Tuesday to Sunday. Only 10 people at a time go up the stairs and onto the balcony, and in rain or strong wind the climb may be suspended.
Information verified on 28 October 2026.
- The circular balcony at the top, with a panorama of the city.
- The spiral metal staircase, with 154 steps.
- The plaque on the façade commemorating Bishop Meszlényi, the architect Dittler and the builder Vajnay.
- The red-brick walls, with the marks of Second World War shrapnel.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: the tower is in the Centrul Nou district, in the small park on Piața Jean Calvin, ~2 km from Satu Mare railway station (~4 minutes by car). Leave the car in a car park in the centre and walk.
On foot: from Satu Mare railway station it is ~2 km, ~25 minutes; from the Hotel Dacia and the Roman Catholic Cathedral, on Piața Libertății, the tower is ~0.5 km away, ~7 minutes.
- Where to park
Parking on the streets in the town centre is paid. From the car parks nearby you reach the tower on foot in a few minutes.
- Fees & discounts
Adults pay 10 lei, and pupils, students and pensioners 5 lei, on presentation of proof of status. Entry is free for children aged 0 to 14. Binoculars can be rented for 15 lei, and photo sessions in the tower cost 50 lei per person per hour.
- Rules
Only 10 people at a time go up the stairs and onto the balcony, and in rain or strong wind the climb may be suspended. The rules of the site are to be respected.
- Facilities
Viewing balcony · binocular rental · photo sessions for a fee
Frequently asked questions about Firemen's Tower
How much is a ticket to Firemen's Tower?
A ticket to Firemen's Tower costs 10 lei (5 lei reduced (with proof)). More under “Fees & discounts”
What are the opening hours of Firemen's Tower?
Opening hours at Firemen's Tower: Monday closed, Tuesday–Sunday 16:00 – 21:00. More under “Opening hours”
How long does a visit to Firemen's Tower take?
A visit to Firemen's Tower takes about 30 min (154 steps, up and down).
Can you visit Firemen's Tower with kids?
Yes, Firemen's Tower is suitable for children (free up to age 14).
Where can I park at Firemen's Tower?
There is paid parking at Firemen's Tower (on the streets in the centre). More under “Where to park”
How do I get to Firemen's Tower?
Firemen's Tower is located at Piața Jean Calvin, Satu Mare, Satu Mare County. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit Firemen's Tower?
The best season for Firemen's Tower: April – September (open April–September).
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