Then called Presburg, Bratislava was for a long time a Hungarian and then an Austrian dependency, combined with the Czech Republic by the Communists. The Velvet Revolution in 1989 and independence in 1993 finally made Bratislava the undisputed capital of the new Slovak Republic. Today, Bratislava is a dynamic European capital with a rich cultural heritage.

01. Castle

Perched atop a hill overlooking the Danube and the Slovak capital, the castle dates back to the 10th century. From a medieval fortification, it became a Renaissance palace, then a Baroque residence. Today, it houses the Slovak National Museum, which presents the country’s history and cultural heritage, making it a symbol of Slovakia’s rich past.

02. Presidential Palace

The Grassalkovich Palace is an elegant residence built in the 18th century and now serves as the official residence of the President of Slovakia. At the back, the garden remains open to the public, providing an oasis of tranquillity in the bustling city centre. The palace provides a link between Slovakia’s aristocratic past and its new democratic governance.

03. Saint-Michael Gate

This is the last surviving gateway of the medieval fortifications that protected the town, and has become iconic. Its current structure dates back to the 14th century, and its baroque spire was added in 1758. The tower dominates the old quarter, which is now largely pedestrianised and bustling with shops and cafés. The gate houses a small museum of the town’s weapons and fortifications.

04. Old Town Hall

Originally a 14th century detached house, it was bought by the town. The building is built in the Gothic style, with Baroque touches in the decoration. Inside, visitors can explore the City Museum, which presents the history of Bratislava from medieval times to the present day. The square in front of it is in the heart of the old town.

05. Primate’s Palace

Completed at the end of the 18th century as the residence of the archbishops, the palace now houses part of the municipal administration, as well as presenting a vast collection of European art to the public. In its Hall of Mirrors, the Treaty of Presburg was signed in 1805, redrawing the map of Central Europe after Napoleon’s victory at Austerlitz.

06. National Theatre

Built at the end of the 19th century on the edge of the Old Town, the theatre has a neo-Renaissance design inspired by Viennese fashion. It houses three distinct ensembles: opera, ballet and theatre, with the aim of promoting the Slovak language. It therefore played a key role in the development of the Slovak national identity even before independence.

07. Saint Elisabeth’s Church

Also known as the Blue Church, this is an Art Nouveau masterpiece built between 1908 and 1913. The design is part of the Viennese Secession movement, which embraced the stylistic innovations of the Art Nouveau movement then in vogue across Europe. The delicate pastel blue colour extends to the exterior and interior of the church designed all in curved lines.

08. Čumil

This is a life-size bronze sculpture created by artist Viktor Hulík in 1997. Located at the intersection of two busy pedestrian streets, the sculpture is part of the city’s tourist circuit, prompting many souvenir photos. This amusing work represents the city’s appreciation of art and sense of humour.

09. Nový Most

Built over the Danube in 1972, this cable-stayed bridge has a span of 990 feet, 300 metres, with a single pylon topped by a round restaurant room reminiscent of a UFO. This futuristic structure symbolises Bratislava’s architectural innovation. Its unique silhouette is now identified with the image of the city.

10. Eurovea

This fast-growing district on the banks of the Danube shows the new dynamic and innovative face of Bratislava. While capitalizing on its proximity to the charm of the baroque Old Town, Eurovea is developing a more contemporary lifestyle, with its shopping centres, quality restaurants near office buildings and luxury flats.