Discovering Bratislava

Location:
Slovakia, Bratislava

Europe, culture, history

By Morgan Ashenfelter

Only an hour train ride from Vienna, the easternmost city of Western Europe, Slovakia’s flourishing and distinct capital Bratislava is blossoming into a first class European city. Located along the banks of the Danube River, the city looks similar to the quintessential Germanic city, with a large castle atop a high hill, a sea of red clay roofs amongst more modern buildings and a distinct old center of town where the spires of churches shoot towards the sky.

But as soon as you take the time to explore the city, you’ll realize that Bratislava’s true appeal comes with the surprises that await you. The most noticeable of which is the UFO tower, whose name fits perfectly with its look. Built in 1972 as part of the Bridge of the Slovak National Uprising, this 278 foot high tower contains a bar, restaurant, club and, most importantly, an observation deck with a great 360 degree view. To the south lays Petrzalka, a residential area with Communist era apartment complexes now being renovated, and to the north the entire city of Bratislava stretches from the Danube to the top of the hills to the north. From the tower one can see how distinct each historic district is, and how these districts all mesh together in one city.

Walk across the bridge, now called the New Bridge, towards center city and follow the winding road up towards the castle. Like most cities in Europe, Bratislava is rich in history and the castle is a testament to all the periods of history that have influenced Bratislava. The Romans, Celts and Moravians all established settlements on top of the plateau that the castle now occupies. It wasn’t until the tenth century during the Hungarian Empire that the castle was built, but its strategic location along the Danube and atop a steep hill indicates Bratislava’s strength as an important medieval city. Today the castle holds exhibitions of the Slovak National Museum.

Heading towards the center of town from the castle, stop by St. Martin’s Cathedral. Built in 1452, nineteen Hungarian kings and queens were crowned here during 1563 to 1830. In 1530 Turks destroyed part of the city but were not able to capture it, and Bratislava became the capital of the Hungarian Empire in 1536. During Maria Theresa’s rule the city experienced an economic and housing boom, which dwindled after the capital moved to Budapest in 1783.

As you make your way through the city center, you’ll be passing medieval and Gothic period buildings and those built in the 1700’s. Visit the Barbie doll-pink Primate’s Palace located next to the Old Town Hall square. Here, in the Mirror Hall, the Treaty of Pressburg between Napoleon and Austria was signed in 1908, and the March Laws, which abolished serfdom, was signed in 1948 by Emperor Ferdinand V.

After World War I, Slovakia became part of Czechoslovakia and the city, formerly called Pressburg, was officially called Bratislava. Slovakia was a nation stuck in the middle warring nations during WWII and was occupied by Nazi forces. After WWII the city fell behind the iron curtain as the farthest west communist capital city. Though the fall of the Iron Curtain brought hard economic times upon the city, its close proximity to Vienna allowed Bratislava to rebound quickly after the curtain was lifted.

Currently Bratislava continues to grow culturally, yet still remains an unintentionally well-kept secret. Visitors can take advantage of all the city has to offer at non-Euro prices. Delicious three course meals will never put a dent in your wallet, and the cuisine is not as heavy as other eastern European countries. The city’s pastries encompass a range of European signature desserts; such as tiramisu, baklava and strudel; and are just as delicious as the original bakers.

In addition to inexpensive prices, convenience is another reason for a visit. Only an hour train ride from Vienna and at a cost of about $15 one way, getting to the city is easy. Ryanair and other low cost airlines fly into the airport. Or if its summer, take a boat from Vienna to Bratislava for a leisurely sightseeing experience.

The best way to discover Bratislava is to explore on your own and perhaps get lost a few times. Because of its size and capital status, Bratislava is not far off the beaten track; but in comparison to other major cities of Europe, Bratislava feels like a secret that only a handful know about. With its inexpensive crown, convenience to both eastern and western Europe and rich history, Bratislava is certainly worth discovering.

Further Information

Travel tips: Spending a day in Bratislava with no plans other than exploring is the best way to see the city.

Must see/do at this place: Go to the top of the UFO. Visit the castle. Stay out all night at bars and clubs that never close.