Welcome to ´The Beauty on the Danube river´
Bratislava is the capital and also the largest city in Slovak republic. It has approximately 450 000 inhabitants. The city lies on both sides of Europe´s second longest river – the Danube.
The strategic location has already secured a significant position among other cities throughout many centuries, even though it is one of the youngest capital cities in Europe. It has a rich history of royal coronation city and today it is a dynamic metropolis with charming atmosphere.
Bratislava is a wonderful city to visit all year round! The Beauty on the Danube – as it is often called – offers many great attraction and lovely experiences to its guests. The Old Town will charm you with romantic cobblestone streets and picturesque squares that create great spots for Christmas markets and summer festivals. Visit Bratislava castle and other beautiful monuments around the city. In pursuit of gourmet experience, visit nearby Small Carpathian wine region.
TOP tourist attractions of Bratislava
BRATISLAVA CASTLE
If you are visiting Bratislava, you should not miss a visit of Bratislava castle. Is is dominating the city skyline for many centuries. In the middle of the 16th century, Bratislava became the official coronation town for Hungarian Kings and at the castle there was a residence of the king.
The south-west tower – also known as the jewel’s tower – housed the Hungarian coronation jewels for two centuries.The last large reconstruction in Baroque style took place under the reign of Maria Theresia (1740-1780). In 1811, the castle was burnt down and only ruins were left. It was reconstructed in 1956-68.
Visiting renovated castle and the park is a great chioce for relaxing afternoon also offering a very nice city view.
1,6 km, walking distance 20 minutes, show directions
BLUE CHURCH
Unusually colored Blue church (St. Elizabeth church) is located in the eastern part of the Old Town, just a few minutes from Hotel Danubia Gate. It is consecrated to Elisabeth of Hungary, daughter of Andrew II, who grew up in the Pressburg (Bratislava) Castle. Blue color not only dominates ist exterior, but interior as well. Thanks to this unique decor it is a favorite place for weddings.
ST. MARTIN'S CATHEDRAL
Once known as the famous place of coronation for Hungarian royalty, St. Martin’s Cathedral still holds important position among the Bartislava´s landmarks and it´s quite worth visiting today. It is conveniently located in the Old Town, easily reachable when taking a walk around the streets of the city center. The cathedral was built in 14th-century and it was a part of city’s fortifications, serving as a part of the defensive wall. In the following centuries, Gothic and Baroque additions were added, but after a fire and earthquake damages, the Gothic style was reverted. St. Martin´s cathedral used to host coronation of Hungarian royalty members from the 16th to 19th century.
Today the festival of coronation is being held each September to remind all the visitors these famous festivities by reenactment of the coronation itself by local actors. The cathedral is truly beautiful building worth visiting. Take the time to see the interior with many works of art and walk around the dome to explore hidden corners or walk down to see the old crypts under the church.
MICHAL'S GATE
One of the oldests buildings in Bratislava was built in 1300s and today it is the only city gate preserved from medieval fortifications. Baroque statue of St. Michael killing the Dragon is placed on its top.
Underneath the gate you can see a zero kilometer mark and indicatoions of a distance to 29 capitals from Bratislava. Inside teh building you can admire the exposition of historical weapons. A new attraction is a laser beam emitted from the southern window that indicates the original Korzo route.
51-meters tall tower has seven floors. From the upper terrace of the tower you can enjoy a spectacular view of the historic center of the city.
THE OLD TOWN HALL
Various buildings make up the complex of The Old Town Hall, which dates to the end of the 13th century, and from which the corner tower has been preserved. The original Gothic dome and tower of reeve Jakub survives to this day, and is mentioned as early as 1370. A prison was built in the cellar here in 1370, and up until the second half of the 19th century, the Hall served as the seat of local government. The city's tax ledgers were kept here, as well as the city archive.
The hall on the first floor has played host to banquets, weddings and other celebrations. Gunpowder was stored in the courtyard, precious metals were traded, a mint was established and even beer was tapped here. To the left below the Gothic window you can see a cannonball embedded in the wall, a memorial to Bratislava's bombardment by Napoleon's army from the right bank of the Danube in 1809. Today the complex houses historical exhibitions of Bratislava City Museum - the Museum of City History and Feudal Justice and the Viticulture Museum.
PRIMATE'S PALACE
Primate’s Palace is one of the most beautiful classicist buildings in Bratislava. Palace and its famous Hall of Mirrors became the scene of many important historical events. The building now serves as the seat of the mayor. The Hall of Mirrors is favorite place for elegant cultural events, concerts or weddings.
The Primate's Palace served in the past as a site of important events. The so-called Peace of Bratislava was signed here on 26 December 1805, confirming Napoleon's victory at the Battle of Austerlitz (Slavkov u Brna). The city purchased the palace building in 1903, and during reconstruction a series of six tapestries were discovered, depicting the ancient legend of Hero, priestess of Aphrodite and the Greek youth Leander. The tapestries were woven in the 1630s at the royal weaving works near London. Besides the tapestries, the building houses an exhibition of paintings from the collection of Bratislava City Gallery.
GRASSALKOVICH PALACE
This late Baroque summer palace was built in the 1760s for Count Anton Grassalkovich. The palace is decorated with marvellous rococo and classicist frescoes. The main hall, with rich gilt stucco décor and partly original wainscoting, served in the past as a music hall. The world-renowned composer Joseph Haydn gave concerts here as well.
One can admire the unique sculptural embellishments on one of the most beautiful staircases in Bratislava. Along with the palace, the palace French-style garden is also open to the public. Known today as the Presidential Palace, today it is the seat of the President of the Slovak Republic.
SLOVAK NATIONAL THEATRE
The Slovak National Theatre building is one of the most accomplished works of the acclaimed theatre building designers Ferdinand Fellner and Hermen Helmer. It was constructed in 1886 on the site that was once home to Bratislava's first permanent theatre. Performers such as Peter Dvorský and Edita Grúberová brought fame to the Slovak National Theatre. In front of the building there is a magnificent fountain depicting the kidnapping of Ganymede to Mount Olympus, designed by Bratislava's native sculptor Viktor Tilgner.
RUINS OF DEVÍN CASTLE
Devin Castle is one of the three oldest castles in Slovakia. Today, the majestic ruin, symbol of Slovak history, is a remnant of a Gothic castle, strategically located at the confluence of the rivers Danube and Morava. Devin castle has very rich history. In written it was mentioned as Dowina in 864 for the first time. It was inhabited since prehistoric times and during the Roman empire times it was a part of the defense system called Linus Romanus.
Today the castle and its surroundings is very popular spot for day trips from Bratislava, also thanks to beautiful view of the countryside below. Exhibition hall is located in the basement of the central part of the castle.
Hotel Danubia Gate ****
