The beautiful capital of Slovakia on the Danube is fast becoming a hot spot in Eastern Europe. Bratislava is undergoing a remarkable transformation from a picturesque postcard town center to a quirky style and culture. Exclusive restaurants, chic clubs and a cosmopolitan atmosphere and nice mix with the famous baroque palaces, landscaped gardens and classical coffee.

Photography by xlibber

Bratislava, nestled in the geographical center of Europe runs along the banks of the Danube River at the foot of the dramatic Carpathian Mountains. After decades of communist rule, Bratislava is experiencing a cultural renaissance after winning its independence in 1993. Top attractions include the charming baroque old town, the historic Gothic treasures, classic cafes and an eclectic nightlife and considered one of the best in Europe, and a number of attractions to visit. 

The city’s history has been shaped by different nations and peoples, including Slovaks, Germans, Hungarians and Jews. Bratislava still retains its cosmopolitan spirit. Bratislava Castle, originally built as an outpost during the Roman Empire in the first century AD, is located in the heart of the city. The XI century Gothic cathedral of Bratislava is the spiritual heart of Slovakia and the best starting point to begin to understand the difficult past of the country. In the leafy squares can absorb the vibrant atmosphere of a country that is rediscovering confidence again.

Tourist attractions in Bratislava:

The Danube River divides the city of Bratislava identification between the old and new. In the north are the picturesque streets of old town, Stare Mesto, with attractions like the Cathedral of San Martín, the tower of San Miguel and the Primate’s Palace. Both sides of the river are linked by the huge bridge Novy Most, or SNP (Slovak National Uprising acronym), which in its upper part has a restaurant which offers incredible views of the city and the Carpathian mountains in the distance.

Bratislava Castle:

When Bratislava was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the castle was the center of this extraordinary monarchy. In 1811, his own Austrian garrison of soldiers, after getting drunk, burned it. It was restored by the Communists. Today the castle houses the Slovak National Museum fascinating. Climbing the Tower of the Crown you can enjoy spectacular views of the Carpathian Mountains and in Austria.

Photography by UnorthodoxY

San Martín Cathedral:

The historical monument of Slovakia, is the cathedral of San Martín, is where took place the coronation of Hungarian rulers for over 250 years. In fact the capital is crowned by a small golden crown of Hungary.
Built in the fourteenth and fifteenth century by the founders of St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna, St. Martin boasts a neo-Gothic interior that includes animals and figurines carved the choir stalls. The most interesting part of the interior is an impressive sculpture of St. Martin on horseback, designed by the Baroque sculptor, George Raphael Donner.

Miguel Tower:

This tower over the Stare Mesto offers incredible views of Austria and Hungary. The tower of San Miguel is the last gateway that lies along the ancient walls surrounding the city. Built in the thirteenth century, the green tip is visible from the surroundings and is a good visual indicator when exploring old. The interior houses the Municipal Museum with its impressive collection of weapons.

Main Square:

Roland with its source, and full of outdoor cafes, the Main Plaza is the colorful heart of Bratislava. During the summer the square is the place to watch the world go by. This is also where you will find the Old Town Hall and the Primate’s Palace with its pink facade.

Primate Palace:

This masterpiece of Baroque style, which is nothing else around the corner from the main square has witnessed many important events in Slovak history. Inside, the magnificent hall of mirrors witnessed the signing of the peace treaty between the governor of Austria Franz I and Napoleon after he defeated the Austrians at the Battle of Austerlitz in 1805. The Centre has a small art collection with works from the Netherlands and Italian masters of the seventeenth century, as well as a museum with beautiful tapestries of the seventeenth century English also.

Old Town Hall (Stará radnice):

Wherever you are in the center of Bratislava, the bells of the Town Hall you can hear throughout the day. Built in the fourteenth century and parts added over the years, the Old Town Hall in the Plaza Principal. Look at the beautiful tiles, the vaulted Gothic and its wonderful courtyard. The Old Town Hall has received the royalties. Inside you will find the City Museum which houses a dungeon with lots of atmosphere.

Grassalkovich Palace:

The House of the Slovak president, the palace of the eighteenth century, is a beautiful piece of Baroque architecture. It was built for the Earl of Grassalkovich, a close adviser of the Empress Maria Theresa, and was frequently used by the aristocracy for social events and concerts. A French garden next door offers a wide green space where you can escape the busy streets around it.

Photography by Marek Bakajsa

Palffy Palace:

This Renaissance palace is where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart at six years was a famous concert especially for the Empress Maria Theresa in the eighteenth century. The museum next door has an intriguing collection of Gothic paintings and sculptures. You’ll also find interesting paintings by artists such as Gustáv Mally, representing the Slovak peasant life from the beginning of the twentieth century.

Relax by the Danube:

A few miles on the banks of the Danube, lies the beautiful town of Devin. Here you can stroll along the Danube, explore the ruins of the castle of V century BC and admire the stunning views of Austria from the steep summit. There is also a fascinating archaeological museum with items dating from 1800 BC Bus number 29 to Devín out from under the bridge SNP in Bratislava.

Visit Piestany:

The most famous spa in Slovakia, Piestany, it is also one of the most beautiful small cities. A golf course of nine holes, and the famous thermal mud treatments Piestany sulfuric are an added bonus. From Bratislava it takes about an hour by train.

Medzilaborce:

Medzilaborce, a Soviet-style town in eastern Slovakia, is an unusual place for a museum dedicated to the works of Andy Warhol. The legendary artist Andrej Varchola actually born, the son of Slovakian city. Although Warhol’s enigmatic claim, «I am from nowhere,» calling with enthusiasm Medzilaborce his only son and this museum is famous eccentric stop for anyone interested in Warhol and Pop Art. The museum has only 18 works, but this is where the story began.

Photography by korom

Enjoy your trip to Slovakia!