The Old Town of Bratislava

A journey through Slovak history and culture with beautiful architecture and interesting surprises around every corner   . . . 

This adventure began with a pleasant boat trip from Vienna, Austria. I boarded a ship called The Twin City Liner and headed along the Danube River to cross over into Slovakia with amazing castle views along the way. 
Here is what happened next:

A Journey Through History in the Capital of Slovakia

My boat arrived along the river banks near the heart of it all. As I proceeded north across the street I encountered the Morovy Stip, the type of Holy Trinity Plague Column which seems to be common in this part of the world. Beyond this was the Neolog Synagogue Memorial, which provided information on the religious structure that was demolished in 1969 to make way for the growing infrastructure of the city. 

St Martin's Cathedral

And directly behind that was St Martin's Cathedral, which was consecrated in the 1400s, though much of the current structure was built in the 1800s. As I searched around this chapel I found all kinds of memorials to people like Jan Holly and poet and linguist turned priest Anton Bernolak. 

Continuing along brings us to Michael's Gate, which was at one time the northern entrance to the town. We're focusing on the Old Town, so lets hang a right and continue on past the Church of the Annunciation to a lovely area known as Franciscan Square. Here you will notice a sculpture of a lady pouring water from a pitcher. Fountains like this can be found all over town, as they once provided a source of public water. 

Michael's Gate & Franciscan Square

Just south of here we have the Church of the Most Holy Savior. Just in front of the church, another Marian Plague Column. Next door you will notice a large tower, which is part of the Old Town Hall. Erected in the late 1300s, it is one of the oldest structures in town. ​Let's take a quick look at the square around back.

Old Town Hall

Here we have a large Neoclassical palace that was constructed in the 1700s. Over the ages it was said to have housed everyone from the archbishop to the mayor. Notice the well out front? That is the Punishing Well. It was here that condemned people would be caged and dipped down below to a watery demise. Speaking of water, look closely in this area and you may find Saint George's Fountain where he can be seen slaying the dragon. 

Punishing Well & St George Fountain

Now let's go back out to the other very large square around front. Here you cannot go without noticing the magnificent centerpiece called Maximilian's Fountain. All around are elegantly designed buildings such as the Vice Governor's Palace and the French Embassy. 

Scattered all over town are delightful statues and sculptures just waiting to be noticed. The most famous of these is called Cumil aka "Man at Work". This hard working guy peeking up from the sewers beneath was installed in the 1990s as part of a revitalization project for the Old Town. 

Slovak National Theater

A little further south and I had made my way to the Slovak National Theater. This lavish building was constructed in the late 1800s displaying the Neo-Renaissance style of architecture. Located in front of the theater was a long pedestrian stretch. All along pleasant promenade I encountered impressive works of art like a monument to the famous Slovak poet Pavol Orszagh Hviezdoslav. Just beyond I stumbled across a statue of a girl with a fawn, and just behind her was a memorial to Hans Christian Andersen. ​​

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The Food in Bratislava

All over town you will find plenty of options to meet your dining needs, as well as places to quinch your thirst. I was looking for some traditional Slovak food to try, so for lunch I couldn't resist trying the Sheep Cheese Dumplings. As I grew once again hungry later in the day, the Steak with Roasted Vegetables became my meal of choice. Both of these choices had proven to be an amazing decision. 

Bratislava Food and Beverage

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I found Bratislava to be a wonderful place to explore an array photogenic city streets packed with Old Town charm. Around each corner you will find pleasant surprises just waiting to be discovered. From ancient architecture to modern art installations, there is an abundance of history and amusement all around.

You can follow along on this journey in the video below

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