Bratislava offers an inviting glimpse of central European history, architecture and culture. The capital city of Slovakia is just about 60 km north-east from Vienna and a short drive from both Hungary and the Czech Republic. It has an incredible location along the banks of the Danube River, on the border of the Carpathian Mountains with its rich vineyards.

In the first years of the independence, the city has undergone a great reconstruction and cultural reawakening and made an amazing comeback, turning into a favorite city break destination with the Old Town freshly renovated. Tourists are rediscovering the city’s charming baroque Old Town and gothic treasures, stylish restaurants, inviting cafes and teeming night life.

History

Bratislava's history goes back to around 200BC and it later became a Roman border fortress. Today, Bratislava Castle sits on a high plateau above the city. The castle was destroyed accidentally in 1811 and was a ruin until the 1950s. It has since been rebuilt in the style of Maria Theresa who lived there in the 1740s.

Baroque palaces

Most historical sights are in the Old Town. The Town Hall dates back the 14th century and is home to the City Museum. Michael's Gate was part of the Medieval walls. Nearby is what is claimed to be Europe's narrowest house.

There are many Baroque palaces including the Grassalkovich Palace, now the official residence of the Slovak president. The national government meets in the former Archiepiscopal Palace.

Bratislava's gothic St. Martin's Cathedral dates back 800 years and is where the coronations of the Kingdom of Hungary took place.

Other notable religious buildings are the 13th Century Franciscan Church and the Church of St. Elisabeth, known as the Blue Church. This building is decorated in 'blue' tiles (surprisingly) and interestingly is one of the few Slovak buildings recreated in miniature at the Mini Europe park in Brussels.

Strategic location

Nearby is the recently renovated Devín Castle, strategically located on a rock where the Morava River, which separates Austria and Slovakia, enters the Danube. It has a museum and despite being destroyed by Napoleon's troops in 1809, it remains a symbol of Slovak history.

Motor enthusiast will be interested to note that Bratislava is home to a Volkswagen factory. The company's SUVs are built there while some Porsche and Audi models are also partially assembled at the factory.

Sightseeing in Bratislava

Bratislava Castle
The massive Bratislava Castle, the Dominant of the city, is located on a hill that has been populated as early as in the Stone Age. The Celts built a fortified stronghold here in the 1st century BC. The Romans, the Germans, the Slavs, the Hungarians and the Austrians have ruled the area in the later centuries. Bratislava Caste became the residence of the Hungarian Kings and was repeatedly rebuilt in various styles. Today it houses the exhibition of the Slovak National Museum and serves as a state function venue.

St.Martin's Cathedral
This 3-nave Gothic Dome, build in the place of an Older Romanesque church, was consecrated in 1452. As Bratislava became the capital of the Hungarian Kingdom in the 16th century, the Cathedral was the coronation place for Hungarian Emperors. There were 11 Hungarian Kings and 8 queens crowned here between 1563 and 1830. On the top of the church tower, some 85 meters (280 feet) above ground, there is a 1 m high copy of the Hungarian royal crown that weighs 300 kilograms. Inside the Cathedral, there the 18th century statue of St. Martin and the Beggar sculpted by famous baroque sculptor Raphael Donner.

Michael's Gate
The medieval Bratislava was entered into through four gates. Michael’s Gate, the watchtower of the original city fortification, is the only one that has survived until the present time. Over 50 meters high, the tower was built in the early 14th century, and was rebuilt many times since. Nowadays, there is a collection of medieval arms and town fortification from the Municipal Museum. The tower also offers stunning view of the city.

Academia Istropolitana
The historial Academia Istropolitana is the 1st university in the territory of present-day Slovakia. It was founded by the King Mathias Corvinus in 1465. Nowadays this historical monument of cultural legacy houses the Academy of Fine Arts.

Grassalkovich Palace
This impressive Rococo palace was was build as the summer residence of Count Grassalkovich in the 18th century. It was a centre of the Hungarian aristocracy social life and was also visited by the Empress Maria Theresa. During the communist era the palace was used as an activity center for Bratislava schoolchildren. After its reconstruction in 1996, the Grassalkovich Palace became the seat of the Slovak Republic's president. Its pleasant garden is now a public park.

Old Town Hall
The Old Town Hall with the clock tower and the romantic courtyard with renaissance arcades is one of the most appealing historical buildings of Bratislava. It is a complex of several constructions build over various stylistic periods. Its core is a 14th century Gothic house of the then Mayor Jacob. In the 15th century, several burgher houses were connected and the complex went through several reconstructions in the course of centuries. Today, the Old Town Hall houses the City Museum with large collection documenting Bratislava history.

The Primate's Palace
The 18th century Palace in the spirit of French Classicism is one of the most beautiful attractions of Bratislava. This Archbishop’s residence also welcomed the Hungarian Kings when the Castle was burnt down.. In 1903, the palace was bought by the city and today it serves as the residence of Bratislava mayor. The historical interior conceals the exhibition of the European paintings as well as the set of 6 English tapestries from the 17th century. There is also a beautiful Baroque fountain in the courtyard.

Slovak National Theatre
Situated in the lovely restores Hviezdoslavovo square, the historical building of the Slovak National Theatre is the gem of the Neo-Renaissance architecture built by the Viennese architects F. Fellner and H. Helmer between 1884 and 1886, in place of the original theatre of estates. There is a lovely Ganymede’s fountain in front of the building. The beautiful interiors of the theatre house acclaimed Opera and Ballet.

Chatam Sofer Memorial
The Jewish community has always played an important role in the life of the city. Although the historical Jewish quarter under Bratislava Castle was destroyed, the most significant Jewish funerary shrine and place of religious worship still can be found in the Castle Hill, as there is a preserved part of original Jewish Cemetery with graves of rabbis including the famous Bratislava rabbi Chatam Sofer, the most important figure in the history of Jews in Bratislava.

Curious Statues of Bratislava
Four life size bronze statues hidden in the streets of the Old Town have lately become the biggest attraction for visitors of Bratislava - Cumil-The Peeper (on the corner of Panska and Rybarska brana streets), French Napoleon Soldier (on a bench on the Hlavne namestie - Main Square), Paparazzi (on the corner of Laurinska and Radnicna streets), and Schoener Naci - Beatutiful Ignaz (on Rybarska brana street).

Galleries in Bratislava

Slovak National Gallery
Containing over 55,000 works the Slovak National Gallery is the largest gallery in Bratislava. Its collections are located in the two interconnected buildings, Vodne Kasarne (Water barracks) on Razsusovo nabrezie and Esterhazy Palace on Sturovo nabrezie. At present, a gradual reconstruction of the entire gallery is underway. The permanent exhibitions, e.g. 16th - 18th century European Art, Gothic Art in Slovakia, Baroque Art of Slovakia, 19th century Art of Slovakia are completed by collections of drawings, paintings, pictures, jewellery, glass, ceramics, crafts, and design. For more information please check www.sng.sk.

Bratislava City Gallery
Bratislava City Gallery has an ambition is to offer its visitors an opportunity to view permanent and temporary exhibitions of Slovak and international art and to give a chance to spend the free time in a pleasant atmosphere of the gallery housed in two historic buildings. The 18th century Mirbach Palace on Frantiskanske namestie offers the permanent exhibition of Baroque painting and sculpture as well as short-term exhibitions of the Slovak and international art. The classicist Palffy Palace on Panska houses permanent exhibitions of Gothic panel painting and sculpture as well as 19th century Central European painting and sculpture, accompanied by the temporary exhibition, mostly of contemporary art. The Primate Palace paintings, including the famous English tapestries are the most precious parts of Gallery. For more information please check www.gmb.sk.

Small Galleries
Galeria Komart on Zamocnicka
The modern art Danubiana Muelensteen Art Museum in Cunovo
Michalsky Dvor Gallery on Michalska
Galeria Nova on Bastova
Bibiana International House of Art for Children on Panska
T Gallery on Panska
Space for Contemporary Arts on Somolickeho

Museums in Bratislava

Municipal Museum
Founded in 1868, the Municipal Museum is the oldest museum in Slovakia. Its collections documenting Bratislava history are arranged in the several permanent exhibitions, including:

City History and Feudal Justice

The Old Town Hall, Primacialne nam. 3
Open daily except Mondays, Tue – Fri 10am – 5pm, Weekends 11am – 6pm
Admission adults/children: SKK 50 / 20
The largest exhibition of the Municipal Museum contains exhibits documenting the history of Bratislava from the Medieval ages including the history of crafts and trade, coronation ceremonies, science, technology, culture, sacral arts, nobility life style, national revival and industry development. The basement of the Old Town Hall contains the historical torture chambers.

Wine Growing

Radnicna ul. 1
Summer season (May – September): Open daily except Mondays, Tue – Fri 10am – 5pm, Weekends 11am – 6pm
Winter season (October – April): daily except Mondays 9:30am – 4:30pm
Admission adults/children: SKK 30 / 20
Located in the Rococo Apponyi Palace, the exhibition documents more than 2000 years old tradition of viticulture and wine industry in Bratislava and its surroundings, from the Roman times until the beginning of the industrial production.

Arms and City Fortification

Michael Gate, Michalska ul. 1
Summer season (May – September): Open daily except Mondays, Tue – Fri 10am – 5pm, Weekends 11am – 6pm
Winter season (October – April): daily except Mondays 9:30am – 4:30pm
Admission adults/children: SKK 40 / 20
This interesting exhibition is situated in the tower of the 14th-century Michael Gate, the only surviving gate of the medieval city fortification. Many daggers, swords, harness, guns, rifles and halberds are displayed. The tower also offers a nice view of Bratislava

Historical Clocks & Art Handicrafts

Good Shepherd House, Zidovska ul. 1 & Blue House, Beblaveho ul.1
Summer season (May – September): Open daily except Mondays, Tue – Fri 10am – 5pm, Weekends 11am – 6pm
Winter season (October – April): daily except Mondays 9:30am – 4:30pm
Admission adults/children: SKK 50 / 20
This "2 in 1" exhibitions are located the historical houses under Bratislava Castle. The Rococo House “At the Good Shepherd” containing some 60 historical clocks and the next door 17th century burgher Blue House, that has several work by skilled artists and craftsmen, e.g. jewelers, locksmiths, carpenters, glass blowers, etc.

Devin Castle

Devin, Muranska ul.
Open May – October, daily except Mondays, 10am – 5pm, until 6pm on weekends
Admission adults/children: SKK 60 / 20
Located in the village of Devin, some 10 km north of Bratislava, the ruins of the historical Devin Castle with the history dating back to 5000 BC are the part of the Municipal Museum. There are many artifact documenting the rich history of the Castle.

Ancient Gerulata

Rusovce, Gerulatska ul
Open May – October, daily except Mondays, 10am – 5pm
The former Roman military camp Gerulata (1st – 4th century) was found in the village Rusovce nearby Bratislava. The archeological findings, e.g. ruins of Forum Romanum, fragments of ovens, well, tombstones, sculptures etc. are displayed.

Slovak National Museum

The National Science Museum

Vajanskeho nabrezie 2
Open Tue – Sun, 9am – 5pm
The Natural Science Museum is focused on the research, documentation and presentation of the diversity and development of the living and non-living natural environment, in particular within Slovakia. Through its collections (of approx. 2.4 million objects) it ranks among the most important natural science museums in Europe. Minerals, fossils, flora and fauna are displayed here.

There are actually 3 museums using the premises of the unique Bratislava Castle:

History Museum

Open Thu – Sun, 9am – 5pm, Admission adults/children: SKK 60 / 30
The museum is documenting the history of Slovakia society from the Medieval Age until the 21st century. Presently there are exhibited mainly collections of historical furniture, art and sculpture, clocks, historical glass, china and ceramics, fashion accessories and silver objects.

Gems of the Ancient Slovak History exhibition by the Archaeological Museum

Open Tue- Sun, 10am – 10 pm
The museum is located on the ground floor of the Castle. The exhibition contains a large number of archeological finding from all over the country.

Music Museum

This museum is located on the 1st floor of the Castle and in the Luginsland Bastion within the Castle premises. It contains various musical instruments mainly.

Archeological Museum

Zizkova 12
Open Tue – Sun, 9am – 5pm
Except for the exhibition in the Bratislava Castle, the Archeological Museum is seated in the Renaissance Kemper mansion on Zizkova street. There are exhibitions documenting the period from prehistoric times till the late Middle Ages.

Museum of Jewish Culture

Zidovska street
Open Sun – Fri, 10am – 5pm
Museum of Jewish Culture is located in the 17th-century Zsigray Mansion on Zidovska, the only surviving house of the former Jewish quarter. The Museum shows the everyday life of the Jewish community, furnishing of synagogues, important Jews in Slovakia's History, as well as a section on the Holocaust.

Also Hungarian Culture Museum on Zizkova 18 and Carpathian Germans Culture Museum on Zizkova 14 are part of the SLOVAK NATIONAL MUSEUM.

Other Museums
MILAN DOBES MUSEUM of Contemporary Art, Zamocnicka 13
MUSEUM OF TRANSPORT, Sancova ul. 1
MUSEUM OF TRADE, Linzbothova 16
MUSEUM OF PHYSICAL CULTURE, Trnavska ul. 29/a

Opera, Ballet and Concerts in Bratislava

Opera
The more and more visitors keep finding out what a perfect city break destination Bratislava is. It is not only because of the unique sights of the historical Old Town, its cosy atmosphere, cheap food & drinks, but for the art-lovers Bratislava Opera or Philharmonic are also a good reason to visit our Little Big City.

The beautiful Neo-Renaissance building on Hviezdoslavovo square stages popular Opera and Ballet performances of the Slovak National Theatre. The highly acclaimed performances are available at unbeatable prices. As the performances are often sold out, it is recommended to book the tickets in advance. For more information please check the official website of the National Theatre SND - Slovenske Narodne Divadlo.

Concerts
Bratislava also offers a pleasant way to spend the enjoyable evening to the music lovers. The glamorous interior of the historical Reduta building stages the renowned Slovak Philharmonic with the 3 artistic ensambles: Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra, Slovak Philharmonic Choir and Bohdan Warchal Slovak Chamber Orchestra. To find out more on programme and tickets, please check the website of Slovenska Filharmonia.

The Slovak Philharmonic is also the main organizer of the Bratislava Music Festival, the most important music event in Slovakia

Visiting Bratislava