The Quaint Charm of Bratislava

Whilst in Vienna we decided to do a day trip to Bratislava.  It was easy to enjoy the beautiful Austrian landscape as we travelled 40 miles east through the countryside on a local bus taking 1½ hours from Vienna.

Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, occupies both banks of the Danube and also left bank of Morava River. The city is the only national capital that borders two independent countries, being Austria and Hungary.

Arriving in Bratislava we find a gorgeous, very small and cosy city, with a different feel to that of other European cities we have visited. Such a lovely city, with breathtaking architecture, lovely narrow streets and tempting cafes. The city centre is a delightful pedestrianised area, making it a great walking city for a cultural experience. If feels like the old town has been forgotten and we are being whisked back a few centuries as we stroll the cobbled lanes admiring the Baroque architecture. We ventured down the narrow, winding streets to the Slovakia National Gallery and Slovakia Philharmonica.

There are several impressive statues, water features and cafes along the tree lined square. We spot a handcraft market where we stop and browse and purchase another little bell for our collection. Across the Danube, over the SNP Bridge is a flying saucer shaped structure housing a restaurant called UFO.

It is easy to walk from one side of the compact city to the other, in a few minutes we arrive at Michael’s Gate tower. This 51m tall tower gate has a green copper roof and is one of the best known and oldest buildings in Bratislava.

St Martin’s Cathedral, located below the Bratislava Castle is the largest and one of the oldest churches in Bratislava. The tower of the Gothic cathedral, formerly the coronation church of ten Hungarian Kings and one Queen bears a gilded Hungarian royal crown. Brass markers with the symbol of a crown are set in the street marking the route of the coronation processions from the castle to the cathedral. Near the entry there is a modern sculpture outside commemorating the Jewish holocaust inscribed Pamataj or remember.

Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, has a quaint charm and is void of the hordes of tourists found in many other regions of Europe. One of the things to be on the look out when walking around Bratislava is statues; we found many of these iconic landmarks in the streets. The most famous are Cumil, the man in the drain and Schöner Náci in his top hat and tails who brings happiness to the streets. There are many interesting streets and architecture to catch the eye and don’t forget look up, especially to see some mystical gargoyles.

One of the oldest churches in Bratislava is situated not far from Main Square. The Franciscan Church was originally consecrated in the late 13th century. The interior is a mix of Gothic and Baroque.

In the old town of Bratislava is the unique historical patisserie, Konditorei Kormuth, a place where history, culture and traditions blend the delicious taste of home-made cakes made with love.

 

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Bratislava is hospitable, historic and very clean. Much of the area is traffic free but you can ride on the little red trains through the old town. Between the theatre and the Danube is the Ludovit Stur square, a monument with bronze sculpture of Stur with several figures behind him.

Many of Bratislava’s grand old buildings are built around a courtyard reachable by a passage from the street, often containing gems of great beauty. One of the most interesting is the statue of St George slaying the three headed Dragon with a spear in the courtyard of the Primatial Palace. There are water spouts from the dragons’ mouths into the fountain pool below.

We enjoyed strolling through the charming old town, breathing in the air of the centuries of old buildings and navigating our way through the streets and alleys. Bratislava is a simple, beautiful part of the world and it is fun to search the many quirky statues the city is known for.

Have you been to Bratislava? Were you drawn to the quaint charm and quirkiness of the city?

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