Slovakia is part of Hungary after the fall of the Great Moravian Empire. It became independent at the end of the First World War when the Treaty of Trianon created Czechoslovakia.

During World War II, the Germans controlled Slovakia. The Soviets conquered it later, thus recreating Czechoslovakia in pro-Soviet and Communist slant.

The Communist ended during the Velvet Revolution in 1989. In 1993 Czechoslovakia dissolved into two separate and independent nations – the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Bratislava was the capital from 1536 to 1784. It was also the coronation city from 1563 to 1830. Additionally, it served as the seat of the diet from 1536 to 1848 of the Kingdom of Hungary. Since 1993 Bratislava has been the capital of independent Slovakia.

Bratislava Castle

We drove towards the city and finally crossed a UFO-looking cable road bridge over the Danube. A pearly white towering castle sat on the hilltop and welcomed us. Every visitor in Bratislava will notice this pronounced silhouette, standing firmly eight-five meters above the water of the Danube River.

The Bratislava Castle was an important fortified settlement in the 9th century. In 1423, the castle underwent significant reconstruction in the Gothic style. It became known as the castle of Sigismund of Luxemburg. It was reconstructed again during the Renaissance and was referred to it as Pallfy’s castle.

The last huge alteration of the castle occurred during Maria Theresa’s regime. This latest Rococo palace served as the seat of the Governor. Prince Albert acquired the office after he married Archduchess Maria Christina. She is the daughter of Queen Maria Theresa.

Bratislava Castle is nowadays the seat of the Museum of History that showcases a collection of historical items. The museum presents the rich history of the castle from the Upper Paleolithic Age. It also showcases its presumed future after the completion of its reconstruction.

The castle courtyard holds short-term exhibitions, theater performances, Shakespeare festivals, and concerts. After our visit to the Bratislava Castle, off we went to visit the Old Town in Bratislava. Bratislava’s old town includes the historic center. It also comprises adjoining neighborhoods that were the center’s immediate outskirts during the Middle Ages.

St. Michael’s Tower

One of the essential symbols of Bratislava, the well-preserved St. Michael’s Tower stands proudly apart from the other three gateways for entering the fortified medieval city. The tower now exhibits weaponry and the city fortifications. You’ll also find a ‘zero kilometer,’ which counts the distance of selected cities in the world from Bratislava.

Zichy’s Palace

Also known as House No. 11, Zichy’s Palace is located at the corner of Ventúrska and Prepoštská Streets. This elegant, strictly Classicist-style palace was built at the behest of Count Francis Zichy in 1775. It now hosts several ceremonies and celebrations.

Pallfy’s Palace

Right beside Zichy’s palace is House no. 10, a Baroque-style Pállfy’s Palace that was built in 1747 originally from an old house. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart performed a concert in this palace.

St. Martin’s Cathedral

It is the largest, oldest, and most remarkable church in Bratislava from the 14th century. The cathedral was a coronation church between 1563 and 1830.

Fisherman’s Gate

At the crossroads of the Fisherman’s Gate and Panská and Laurinská Streets, you can watch street musicians. You can also take a picture with the quirky statues of Čumil or Schöner Náci.

Main Square

The Main Square has always been the main marketplace throughout Bratislava’s history. It is an area for public gatherings, welcoming ceremonies to sovereigns and renowned personalities.

The Old Town Hall (1434) serves as the Main Square’s landmark. Its underpass serves as an entrance to the town hall from the square. An expo on the history of the city and its feudal justice is on show in the Old Town Hall.

Franciscan Square

Unlike the Main Square, the Franciscan Square offers a substantially quieter, more private refuge with ancient historical buildings all around. The square gets its name from one of the oldest churches in Bratislava. This is the Franciscan Church, and it was built in the 13th century.

At the upper part of Franciscan Square, the Mirbach’s Palace is considered the most beautiful sight in the historical center. The owner, Count Emil Mirbach, donated this palace to the city. He did so on the condition that a gallery would be installed in the palace.

The palace houses the Bratislava City Gallery to this day.

Primatial Square

Primatial Square is situated at the north-eastern part of Bratislava’s historic center. It has become the city’s new center. It is considered one of the beautiful squares in Bratislava.

The Primatial Palace was built between 1778 and 1781. It was constructed on the site of an old Archbishop palace. The facade features a strictly Classicist style. In the palace, you can find a unique collection of six Bratislava tapestries from the 17th century. They depict a legend of a tragic love story.

Hodza’s Square

The main landmark in Hodza’s Square is the Presidential Palace, which was built after 1760 as Anton Grassalkovich’s garden palace.

Hviezdoslav’s Square

Touted as one of the most beautiful and liveliest squares, Hviezdoslav’s Square was built in 1886. The Slovak National Theatre is its main highlight.

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