The Ancient City of Bratislava
Located on the beautiful river Danube, a mere 60 km east of Vienna, Austria, the ancient city of Bratislava welcomes visitors with a mixture of traditional Slavic charm and modern marvels. Diversity is the cornerstone of this lovely city, which has been influenced over the centuries by many different cultures and peoples, from the Austrians, Czechs and Germans to the Hungarians, Jews and Slovaks. The result is a deliciously diverse culture that is both friendly and unique. Mountains, hills, lowlands and rivers comprise the natural setting, while spectacular buildings boasting brilliant architecture dot the skyline. Bratislava may be the heart of Slovakia, but it’s got a personality and an atmosphere that is entirely its own.
Location, Location, Location
One of the nicest features of the city of Bratislava is the fact that it is ideally located along the borders of Hungary, Austria and Czech. Couple this with the magnificent natural landscape and fascinating history of all four of these areas, and you’ve got the perfect place to grab your bike and hit the trails. How often will you have the opportunity to cycle through four separate countries in a relatively short period? It’s truly a chance of a lifetime. Experience magnificent ancient castles, sip exquisite wines, taste the hearty local cuisine, and enjoy a perfect mixture of history, culture, natural beauty and leisurely cycling.
Must-See Sites
Given the long, rich history of Bratislava, it’s no wonder the area boasts a number of fascinating sites and intriguing mysteries to make your trip unforgettable. Bratislava Castle, which rests high on a hill above the ancient city, is among the top of these sites. This spectacular structure boasts the first written reference to the city in which it was built, appearing in the Annals of Salzburg of the year 907. Even the very hill the castle rests on has a past, with historians estimating its population to date back as far as the Stone Age.
The Bratislava Castle was constructed in the 15th century in the architectural style of Gothic, during the reign of Sigismund of Luxembourg. A century later the castle was rebuilt in classic Renaissance style, and then again in Baroque style a time later. Today, the building houses a significant collection of the Slovak National Museum. While the interior has been closed due to a massive restoration project, visitors can still marvel at the exterior fortifications and take advantage of the incredible views of the Danube they afford.
Another magnificent site, the Devin Castle, was built on a foundation that has been fortified since the Bronze and Iron Ages. Located at an altitude of some 212 meters, this castle rests upon a cliff at the confluence of the Danube and Morava rivers, adding to its mysterious air and atmosphere. As it stands today, one of the most popular features of the castle is its tiny watchtower, which sits separate from the main building, balancing perilously on a single rock. This small structure has been the subject of countless legends about imprisoned and heartbroken people leaping to their tragic deaths.
If ancient castles and fortifications aren’t your thing, the St. Martin’s Cathedral offers another fantastic opportunity for historical and cultural discovery. Originally constructed in the early 1200’s, this magnificent structure was rebuilt less than a century later to become part of the city’s walls. The cathedral boasts four chapels, one of which represents Slovakia’s oldest example of Renaissance architecture. During the years between 1563 and 1830, it served as the coronation church of Hungarian royalty, evidence of which can still be seen today with the 300-kg replica of the Hungarian crown, which sits high atop the cathedral’s tower. Inside the cathedral, visitors can enjoy a glimpse of the first monumental work of central-European sculpture, which depicts St Martin sitting on a horse and giving to the poor.
The city of Bratislava truly embodies the heart and soul of old Europe, with its rich history, fascinating culture and breathtaking natural scenery. These are just a few of the countless reasons to add this incredible destination to your travel itinerary. It’s sure to be a journey you won’t soon forget.