Bratislava

Overview

Bratislava (425.000 inhabitants) is the capital of Slovakia. It is an old city with a long history and many sights. Bratislava Castle dominates the town, around the castle you find a couple of interesting museums, such as the Museum of Jewish Culture and the Municipal Museum. Opposite is the Blue House, which houses the Exhibition of Arts and Crafts.

To the south of the castle hill are the preserved remains of an ancient tower which protected the Danube ford. Other sights close to the castle include the Baroque Church of the Order of the Holy Trinity and the Renaissance Bramer Manor House, where the Archeological Museum is housed.

The Main Square of the medieval town constitutes the center of the historical city. The most important events have happened here since the 14th century. Besides regular markets, all gatherings, celebrations and executions took place here. All the houses on the square have an older Gothic core, several of them were built prior to the fortification of the town as defensive houses with towers. The sandstone Renaissance Maximilian's Fountain and circular reservoir stand in the centre of the square. The square is dominated by the Town Hall.

The narrow Kostolna ulica next to the Old Town Hall leads to the Primate's Square, which served as a market place in the Middle Ages. On it you find the Primate's Palace, which is the most beautiful Classicist structure in Slovakia.

History