Bratislava Castle

From fortress to royal residence to government headquarters, the imposing castle overlooking the red roofs of the Old Town.

For ages, the impressive castle, with its four corner towers (which earned it the nickname of "upside-down table"), dominates Bratislava and outlines its profile from the top of a 74-meter hill above the Danube. Its commanding position offers a beautiful view over the red roofs of the Old Town and the Nový Most, the "daring" bridge that connects both banks of the river. Particularly from the Crown Tower (Korunná veža), the eye can roam as far as Petržalka, the district built during communist times, which stretches endlessly beyond the river, with its sad and anonymous high-rise buildings, and on the clearest days, one might even catch a glimpse of Austria. Awaiting you is the equestrian statue of Svatopluk I, the 9th-century ruler of Moravia.

Bratislava Castle is the symbol of the Slovak capital and in 1961 was recognized as a national historical monument. Its image is featured on Slovak coins of 10, 20, and 50 euro cents.

Due to its important strategic position, the hill on which Bratislava Castle stands has been inhabited since the 4th century BC, first by the Celts, then by the Romans. In the 9th century, the Slavs built a castle here, a Moravian stronghold on the Danube, and a basilica, of which the foundations remain on the eastern side of the complex. The first written record dates back to 907 in the Annals of Salzburg, referring to the battle at Brezalauspurch, which marked the end of the Great Moravian Empire. Following the victory of the Hungarian dynasty of the Árpáds, Bratislava was incorporated into the then-growing Hungarian state and the castle became a border fortification of the new kingdom (11th century). Sigismund of Luxembourg, Emperor and King of Hungary, had it expanded and fortified against the spread of Ottoman incursions, turning it into an impregnable fortress.

The current appearance of the castle is the result of reconstructions carried out between the 15th and 17th centuries (first in Renaissance style and later Baroque), which gave it a quadrangular shape with a central courtyard and corner towers. The reign of Maria Theresa of Austria marked the beginning of a golden age for the castle. Thanks to the empress, who often stayed here as queen of Hungary, the castle was transformed from a grim fortress into a magnificent royal residence. Neglected by her successors, the castle became a seminary in 1784 and a barracks in 1802. In 1811, due to the recklessness of Napoleon's soldiers, the castle was completely burned down and remained in ruins until 1953 when reconstruction began.

Since 1968, the castle has been revitalized. Today, some rooms of the fortress complex are used for official meetings and as a representation venue for the Slovak government. Inside, the Slovak National Museum also hosts interesting collections of traditional artifacts, furniture, historical objects, and tapestries; the Museum of Music and a small collection of archaeological finds are also featured, including the Venus of Moravany, an ivory figurine carved 25,000 years ago.

Opening hours: every day from 10 AM to 6 PM except Tuesdays. Last admission at 5 PM. The castle's outdoor area is open daily from 8 AM to 10 PM. Ticket price for the Historical Museum and Jewelry Collection: €12 full price; €6 for students up to 26 years and seniors over 65, free for children up to 6 years, seniors over 70, and holders of the Bratislava Card. Discounts and family tickets are available for families with children and teenagers. How to get there: by foot, from the Old Town take the underpass from St. Martin's Church and continue straight, or use buses 44, 47, 83, 84, 93.