Bratislava

Bratislava, the 'Little Big City', is one of Europe's most accessible capital cities. With fewer than 500,000 inhabitants, good transport links, diverse history, culture and a great natural position, it is an attractive place to visit at any time.

Area: 367.9 km2
Position: 17º7´ East, 48º9´ North
Elevation: 126m - 514m above sea level
Time zone: During summer time (March to October): GMT + 2 hours
Currency: EUR

Attractions in Bratislava

St Martins Cathedral

St. Martin's Cathedral, the biggest, oldest and finest church in Bratislava was built in the gothic style. It was consecrated and officially opened in 1452, but it had taken nearly two centuries from ground- breaking (1221) to complete this Gothic cathedral. On the top of the tower there is a large Hungarian crown (replica of the distinctive Crown of St Stephen) from the 19th century. Over the portal that used to be the cathedral's main entrance, there is a Gothic relief depicting the Holy Trinity.

Bratislava Castle

Bratislava Castle is the town's most prominent landmark on the hill, overlooking the Danube. In the 9th century it was a Great Moravian fortress. In the 10th century, it was rebuilt and became the Hungarian King's residence and a border post. It has been rebuilt every century, accordingly to almost every possible style. The flooring has dates back to the reign of Sigmund of Luxemburg (during the first half of the 15th century). During the reign of Maria Theresa, it became an imperial palace.

St. Michael's Tower

St. Michael's Tower is the only one of the Watch Tower Gates that is still standing. This is the gateway into the old town from the North. There is a very interesting exposition about Arms and Municipal Fortifications on sixth floor of the tower. If you go up to the very top of the tower you will have an outstanding view of Bratislava, and an excellent photo opportunity of the castle.

The National Theatre

The theatre was built in 1886 in the Neorenaissance by Viennese architects F. Fellner and H. Helmer. The main facade and the balconies are decorated by allegorical statues. In 1888, a fountain with a bronze eagle was constructed in front of the theatre. Today the building is home to the National Opera and Ballet.

Devin castle

Unbelievably close to Bratislava's Old Town (ten minutes by car, of twenty by bus), but marvelously secluded from the city is the Castle Devin. It was a border fortification and the outpost guarding trading routes at the confluence of the Danube and Morava rivers. In the 9th century, it became a Slavic fortress (in 864 it was named the fortress of Sir Rastislav). A Gothic castle was built there in the Middle Ages (Hungarian Kingdom) and later rebuilt in the Renaissance. In 1809 it was destroyed by Napoleon's army. Since that time it has been a ruin.