Stephen's Tower (Turnul Ștefan)
About Stephen's Tower (Turnul Ștefan)
Stephen's Tower rises on Piața Cetății (Citadel Square), in the old centre of Baia Mare, and is the building the city is recognised by. It was the bell tower of the church of "St Stephen the King", first recorded in 1347 and consecrated in 1387, a Roman Catholic church with two naves, of impressive size for north-western Transylvania. Work on the tower began after 1446 on the initiative of John Hunyadi, to commemorate his victory over the Ottomans at the Ialomița (1442), and was completed in 1468, in the time of Matthias Corvinus.
Over the centuries lightning and fires rebuilt its upper part several times. The church was pulled down in 1847 and only the tower remained; after another fire, in 1869, the tower was rebuilt in 1898–1899 in the neo-Gothic style it still has today. The gallery under the spire, built in the 18th century, was for a long time used by firefighters to watch over the town. The tower is more than 40 m tall, built of stone, and has clock faces on its sides.
What you can see
From the square you can see the whole tower, with its stone masonry, the clocks and the spire with four small turrets; the plan of the former church is marked in the paving around it. The climb starts on a spiral stone staircase, continues on wooden stairs (about 165 steps in all) and comes out onto the gallery, from where you can see the old centre and the town.
Good to know
The climb is only possible with an escort from the tourist information point in the tower's basement, in groups that leave every hour, after the bell strikes. In rain or snow the tower is not opened, for safety reasons.
- The gallery at the top, with a panorama of the old centre and the town.
- The stone masonry of the tower and the clock faces on its sides, seen from below in the square.
- The outline of the old church of "St Stephen the King", marked in the paving of the square.
- The tower seen from Piața Libertății, with its tall spire above the houses of the old centre.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: from Satu Mare it is ~60 km (~1 hour) on the DN1C; from Sighetu Marmației ~65 km (~1 hour 15 minutes) on the DN18; from Cluj-Napoca ~135 km (~2 hours 40 minutes). The tower is in the old centre, next to Piața Libertății; leave the car in a car park nearby and walk.
Public transport: Baia Mare railway station is ~3 km from the tower; from there you can reach the centre by local bus or by taxi.
- Where to park
The tower has no car park of its own. Spaces in the old centre are usually paid; leave the car in a car park or on a street around Piața Libertății and walk a few minutes to Piața Cetății.
- Fees & discounts
Adult ticket: 5 lei; pupils, students and pensioners: 3 lei; organised group (at least 15 people): 3 lei per person. Entry is free for accompanied children up to 6 years old and for people with disabilities; on 1 June entry is free for children under 16. Professional filming or photography inside is charged separately.
- Rules
The tower can only be visited with an escort from the tourist information point, individually or in groups of at most 15 people. Children under 16 enter with an adult. Food, drink and pets are not allowed in, smoking is forbidden and you must not lean over the railing. The climb is not recommended for people whose health makes physical effort unsuitable; the stairs are narrow, so it is not suitable for pushchairs.
- Facilities
Tourist information point in the tower's basement, where the visit starts
Frequently asked questions about Stephen's Tower (Turnul Ștefan)
How much is a ticket to Stephen's Tower (Turnul Ștefan)?
A ticket to Stephen's Tower (Turnul Ștefan) costs 5 lei (reduced 3 lei (pupils, pensioners)). More under “Fees & discounts”
What are the opening hours of Stephen's Tower (Turnul Ștefan)?
Opening hours at Stephen's Tower (Turnul Ștefan): Monday–Friday 10:00 – 17:00, Saturday–Sunday 11:00 – 17:00. More under “Opening hours”
How long does a visit to Stephen's Tower (Turnul Ștefan) take?
A visit to Stephen's Tower (Turnul Ștefan) takes about 30 min (the climb, about 30 minutes).
Can you visit Stephen's Tower (Turnul Ștefan) with kids?
Yes, Stephen's Tower (Turnul Ștefan) is suitable for children (narrow stairs; under 16 + adult).
Where can I park at Stephen's Tower (Turnul Ștefan)?
There is paid parking at Stephen's Tower (Turnul Ștefan) (in the old centre, nearby). More under “Where to park”
How do I get to Stephen's Tower (Turnul Ștefan)?
Stephen's Tower (Turnul Ștefan) is located at Piața Cetății, Baia Mare, Maramureș County. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit Stephen's Tower (Turnul Ștefan)?
The best season for Stephen's Tower (Turnul Ștefan): All year round (closed in rain or snow).
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