Located in the southwest corner of Slovakia, the country’s capital city is a brat for a reason. Bratislava silently brags about being the “beauty on the Danube”. A beauty indeed, the city holds museums, galleries, palaces, shopping opportunities, castles, and churches, all while gazing at the banks of the Danube. In the background the foothills of the Little Carpathian Mountains further Bratislava’s bratty attitude. As the city borders both Hungary and Austria, Bratislava doesn’t show age. It remains one of the youngest capitals in the entire world.
On the western side of the old town, the Bratislava Castle takes over. Commanding and in charge, the Castle rests on a hill above the Danube River. The 15th century Castle served as the seat of Hungarian royalty. Today it looks out on the old and new of Bratislava. The ancient old town contrasts with the communist new touches from this vantage point. For more ancient castles near Bratislava, Devin Castle sits just 9 kilometers west of the city. The historic intrigue behind the Castle is enough to draw visitors out of the city. The 9th century warlord Prince Ratislava used the Devin Castle as his playground.
Bouts with Bratislava’s rich history come through its many structures and spaces of significance. St. Martin’s Cathedral glows in 14th century Gothic architecture. While the architecture captivates most, the history of the Cathedral impresses. Eleven Hungarian Hapsburgs were crowed within St. Martin’s Cathedral. Bratislava’s open spaces equally charms. Hlavné nám serves as the city’s historic pedestrian center. Dressed in baroque palaces, Hlavné nám also functions as the main market of the old town. Craft stalls set up for Easter and Christmas markets in Hlavné nám.
Other buildings in Bratislava note the city’s history. Primate’s Palace is not a home for monkeys. The fine neoclassical building fills with 17th century English tapestries among other works of art. The Palace houses a rich history. Napoleon and Austrian emperor Franz I signed the Treat of Pressburg. Another one of the city’s hard to miss structures towers so to speak. Michael Tower boasts a view across the rooftops of Bratislava. The Tower remains the city’s only survivor in the original tower gate department. The base of Michael’s Tower dates the structure quite a bit. Its origins carry all the way back to the 14th century. For more history in the city, Franciscan Church of the Annunciation rests as Bratislava’s oldest church, dating back to 1297.
Museums in Bratislava are numerous and cover a wide range of subjects. Yes, there is a Museum dedicated to Clocks. The more serious museum goers find their way to the Slovak National Gallery. The National Gallery holds the country’s biggest art collection. This museum also bears an attractive location. The Slovak National Gallery positions along the Danube riverfront.
An area holding a history dating back to pre-Roman times is surprisingly youthful by definition. While a young capital, Bratislava seems more like an old timer with settlers arriving to its grounds early including the Celts, Romans, Germans, Hungarians, and Jews. The old town charm oddly mixes with communist concrete housing blocks. The “beauty on the Danube” has a few marks, but it is bratty in a good way.
