Whether you're on a vacation, or you're just looking to visit a new country, there are many places to visit in Bratislava. This Slovak capital is located along the Danube River, near Hungary and Austria. It's also surrounded by vineyards and Little Carpathian mountains. The city is a good base from which to explore Slovakia and Hungary, with numerous hiking trails in the surrounding forest.
St. Martin's Cathedral
During the course of the centuries, it has witnessed moments of European history. Its sepulchres were filled with many significant figures. It was also used for coronations. This is why St Martin's Cathedral remains a very important monument to Bratislava.
In the late 13th century, a Gothic cathedral was built over a Romanesque basilica. Then, the cathedral was renovated in the 14th and 15th centuries. In 1728, the Archbishop of Esztergom invited the famous Austrian sculptor Georg Rafael Donner to build the church's new high altar. The chapel of St John the Almsgiver was also designed by Donner.
The interior of the cathedral is decorated with a series of elongated arched windows. The dome is also a prominent feature of the church. It is supported by massive stone columns.
The Archbishop's crypt is located under the nave. It branches into four hallways, and contains more than 90 graves. In addition, it is the only crypt open to the public. The cathedral is the oldest in Bratislava.
The spire of the cathedral is 85 meters tall, and the top is topped with a 300 kg gilded replica of the Hungarian royal crown. The cathedral hosts a coronation procession in September every year. The coronation was first held here in the 16th century, when Bratislava became the capital of Hungary. Then, between 1563 and 1830, 11 Hungarian kings were crowned here.
Another nearby landmark is the synagogue, which stood next to the cathedral for hundreds of years. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Bratislava. Its catacombs are up to 6 meters deep.
There are also several restaurants and motels in the area.
Bratislava Castle
Located on a hilltop in the center of Bratislava, Bratislava Castle has a long history. It is one of the oldest structures in Slovakia, and has been rebuilt several times. You can find out about its history by visiting the museum, which is located in the castle. It is also known as the Slovak National Museum.
The museum is open from 10 am to 6 pm on Tuesdays to Sundays. The museum includes permanent exhibitions and the "Witness of the Past" show.
The crown tower is 47 meters tall, and once housed crown jewels. Its eastern terrace has a statue of Saint Elizabeth, as well as illustrative imitations of historical structures.
The museum has an elevator that will take you up to the top floor, where you can find an observation deck and restaurant. You can get panoramic views of the city.
The museum also has an exhibit on weapons used during Bratislava's medieval fortification. However, it will be closed for renovations in December 2020.
There are plenty of other things to do in Bratislava. You can stroll around the Old Town, eat at some of the city's best restaurants, or enjoy a picnic at the castle. The best time to visit is in the spring or summer. You can also find plenty of quirky sculptures throughout the city. You can even find the famous Hans Christian Andersen statue on Hviezdok Square.
If you're looking for a good meal in Bratislava, try Hradna Hviezda, a restaurant that serves a delicious grilled zander and a homemade bread roll dumpling. You can also visit the old theatre on Hviezdoslavovo Square, where you can enjoy shows performed by both Hungarian and German actors.
Grassalkovich Palace
Grassalkovich Palace is the official residence of the Slovak President and is located in Bratislava. It was built in 1760 and is a fine example of Rococo architecture. It was originally used for concerts and aristocratic society events. The palace was renovated in the year 1996 and has since become the official residence of the Slovak President.
Another great place to visit is Bratislava's Old Town. The city was once divided into four main gates. The oldest of these gates, St. Michael's Gate, is still standing.
Across the bridge, the UFO restaurant is a unique landmark. It's a saucer-shaped eatery that's perched on a single asymmetrical pylon. It has an observation deck on the upper level and offers a spectacular view of the Danube River.
The presidential garden is also an amazing place to explore. The garden was originally created as a French formal garden. It now functions as a public park. It has a small pool, nice paths, and an easy entrance.
The Old Slovak National Theater is one of the most important buildings in Bratislava. It was designed by Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer. It features sculptures on the tympanum and busts of luminaries.
Hviezdoslav Square is a great place to relax and eat. It's at the southern end of the Old Town and is home to a number of festivals. It's also a great place to watch people.
The House at the Good Shepherd is a beautiful building in Bratislava. It was originally built in 1760-1765. It was later used for commercial purposes and is arguably the best example of Rococo architecture in the city. The corner of the building is home to a statue of the Good Shepherd.
Antikvariat Steiner
Located in the heart of Bratislava, the Antikvariat Steiner is a second-hand bookstore. It sells books on Slovak history, culture and folk art. It also has a good selection of postcards and vintage posters.
The Antikvariat Steiner was founded by Sigmund Steiner in 1847. It was the only major bookshop in Slovakia until 1989. The store is still in operation. There are many books on Slovak history, folk art, and literature, as well as maps and photo albums.
It is also home to the largest organ in Central Europe. The building is a popular place for live performances. There are performances almost every day during the summer months. The theater's official website has detailed information about upcoming performances.
The most famous chamber in the building is the Hall of Mirrors. Visitors are not allowed to take photos of the other chambers. The building is located on springs, which act as acoustic dampeners.
The museum inside Michael's Tower offers an incredible view of Bratislava. It has an observation deck on the top. Tickets are available for 1 to 50 euros.
The Heydukova Street Synagogue is the only Jewish place of worship in Bratislava. It is open to the public from 10 am to 4 pm. There are several exhibitions here and there are workshops for interested parties.
There are some very interesting statues in Bratislava. One is dedicated to Ignac Lamar, the first communist president of Czechoslovakia. Another is the Napoleon's Army Soldier, which stands in the middle of the main square.
The best way to experience Bratislava is to wander the streets. The city is filled with shops, cafes, and museums. It is a great destination for a day trip from Vienna.
Blue Church
Located in Bratislava's Old Town, the Blue Church is one of the most spectacular buildings in Bratislava. Its exterior is mainly blue, and the interior is a work of art. It was designed in the Art Nouveau style by a Hungarian architect.
The interior of the Church features Saint Elizabeth, who is often referred to as a "sister saint" of Mary. She was a Roman Catholic and born in 1207. In 1235, Pope Gregory IX canonized her. She became a saint and was attributed with many miracles.
The church is a major landmark in Bratislava and is open to the public. It is located at Bezrucova 2, Bratislava. It is a short walk from the city center and is also accessible by trams.
The Blue Church is also known as the Hungarian Secessionist Catholic Church. It is located in the eastern part of the Old Town. The interior of the church is largely blue and the walls are decorated in an Art Nouveau style. The church is free to visit and it is open Monday to Saturday at 7:00 am, and Sunday at 8:00 am and 7:30 am.
If you have some time, you can also take a tour of the National Gallery of Slovakia. It is free to enter and features paintings of new and aspiring Slovak artists. The gallery changes its artwork frequently.
Another popular photo spot in Bratislava is the Napoleon's Army Soldier statue. This is the name given to a bronze statue that was erected as a memorial to the Slovak actor and comedian Julius Satinsky. The statue stands on a street that was once his home.
The Slovak Radio Building is a fascinating example of post-war modern architecture. It was completed in 1983.
