Bratislava, was first called Possonium (Latin), Pressburg (German), Pozsony (Hungarian), and Presporok (Slovak). Its long history means that the famous Bratislava Castle was controlling Slovakia for centuries. Until 10th Century, Bratislava was a part of the Moravian Empire. Later it was annexed to Hungary in 11th century. Bratislava was the capital of Hungary from 1536 to 1783 and the city was called Pozsony. Bratislava reached its zenith in 18th century under the patronage of Empress Marie Theresa. Bratislava was besieged by Napoleon’s troops in 1809 and the famous castle was burnt down in 1811. In 1919 the city was annexed to the Czechoslovak republic. During WWII a quasi-Nazi Government was established in Slovakia. Later years Slovakia was under Communist rule. After fall of communism in 1989, Bratislava restored its Old Town and soon became a popular tourists destination. When Czechoslovakia split in 1993, Bratislava became the Slovak Capital and jointed the European Union in 2004.
BRATISLAVA CASTLE
The former seat of the rulers, today the symbol of Bratislava and the seat of the Museum of History. There is a wonderful view of the city and the neighbouring countries from its 47-metre-high crown tower in which royal coronation jewels used to be deposited.
MARTIN’S CATHEDRAL
A three-nave Gothic church from the 15th century and the former coronation church. A gilded replica of the coronation crown fixed on the top of the cathedral tower at a height of 85 metres and weighing 150 kg reminds of this glorious age.
OLD TOWN HALL
The former seat of the city self-government is since 1868 the seat of the Bratislava City Museum, the oldest museum in Slovakia. After climbing up the narrow stairs leading to its 45-metre-high tower you will be rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view of the Old Town.
PRIMATE’S PALACE
A Classicist palace built in the 18th century in which the Peace of Pressburg was signed after Napoleon’s victory at the Battle of Austerlitz between the representatives of the French and Austrian emperors. The Palace houses a gallery depositing a unique collection of six English tapestries from the 17th century and also serves as the seat of the Mayor of Bratislava.
MICHAEL’S GATE
A Classicist palace built in the 18th century in which the Peace of Pressburg was signed after Napoleon’s victory at the Battle of Austerlitz between the representatives of the French and Austrian emperors. The Palace houses a gallery depositing a unique collection of six English tapestries from the 17th century and also serves as the seat of the Mayor of Bratislava.
UFO Observation Deck
A unique observation deck on the pylons of the SNP Bridge at a height of 95 metres with amazing views of the city and visibility of up to 100 km. It offers the most beautiful sunset combined with a culinary experience.
MICHAEL’S GATE
The St. Michael’s Gate is the last preserved gate of the medieval city fortification. Its tower offers magnificent views of the Old town and the surrounding area. Right at the eastern entrance of Old Town stands a 51 metre high tower, which foundations were laid about 700 years ago, its gate once served as an entry into the city.
