Vartovka

Vartovka in Krupina is a former watchtower that today serves as a lookout tower. A vartovka is generally a type of watchtower that was part of a town's fortifications — in Slovakia they were built mainly during the Ottoman raids on the then Kingdom of Hungary. Originally, a vartovka stood in most larger towns, but few have survived to this day. The one in Krupina is among the rare, well-preserved examples.

The history of vartovkas is closely tied to the period of the Ottoman threat. They served as observation and signalling points, from which guards watched the surroundings and warned residents in case of danger. The Krupina vartovka thus carries the memory of turbulent times, when such towers formed an important part of a town's defence. The fact that it has survived to the present day makes it an interesting historical landmark.

Today, the vartovka in Krupina fulfils a completely different, more pleasant role — it functions as a lookout tower. The climb up rewards visitors with a view of the surrounding landscape, along with the chance to touch a piece of history. It's a rewarding destination for tourists, families, and history lovers, who will appreciate the combination of a beautiful view with the story of the town's ancient defensive past.

Krupina lies in the south of central Slovakia and ranks among the oldest towns in the country, so a visit to the tower can be combined with exploring the town itself and its surroundings. Accommodation in Krupina and its surroundings is a comfortable base for a trip to the lookout tower as well as for discovering this historic region. Vartovka is an ideal tip for a shorter trip combined with views and a piece of history.