(source: O. Ondráš, TASR)
Poprad Town Hall has made the tower of the Church of Saint Aegidius accessible to the public. It offers a view to the surroundings, especially the High Tatras. The director of City Information Office in Poprad, Lucia Pitoňáková, said that it is the initiative of the town and the Regional Organisation of High Tatras Tourism.
The entrance fee will be free during the opening ceremony on May 5. On other days, tourists can visit the tower a part of a popular guided tour of the square and the church, offered daily during working days at 15:00. The price of the tour is €3 per person. Interested tourists can book the tour for another hour or day, but in advance.
During summer months, there will be regular tours on weekends and morning hours on working days. The entrance to the tower requires high-security measures, appropriate clothing, especially good shoes. Children are allowed to enter the tower from the age of 12, accompanied by adults.
Far views
Visitors can enjoy the view from at gallery at a height of 26 metres, the tower itself more than 36 metres high. It is necessary to conquer 90 steep stairs.
The view offers a unique look at the High and Low Tatras as well as in the direction of Slovenský Raj (Slovak Paradise).
“Such towers used to have the function of guard towers, either to watch enemy armies or warn about fires,” said Pitoňáková, as quoted by TASR.
Playing melodies
The church and the bell tower dates back to the 13th century, however, the exact construction date is unknown. The church and the tower were rebuilt in the second half of the 14th century. The tower was also rebuilt in 1663 due to fire. The gallery was built in 1696.
Poprad itself along with the church was struck by several fires throughout its history. The worst one occurred in 1708, when almost the entire town burnt down along with precious historical documents.
A carillon at the tower plays every five minutes before the hour. The melodies are chosen in accordance with the seasons.
