Slovakia’s trendy capital has long been a hub of culture. Romantic, colorful old buildings are the norm here, as are picturesque squares, whimsical statues and stunning panoramas. Whether you’re a fan of history, architecture or the humanities, here are three can’t-miss highlights of this charming European city.
Bratislava Castle
Bratislava Castle
It’s tough not to have your eyes drawn to Bratislava Castle — its prominent perch on the hill overlooking Old Town dominates the city’s skyline. The view from the castle is even more stunning: Not only can you see all of Bratislava, but also well into Austria and Hungary (if the weather permits). The history of the castle is a long-winding fable — with the hill having been populated as early as the late Stone Age — but today you’ll find the grounds adorned in the Rococo style of Queen Maria Theresa. While it might’ve once housed the Crown Jewels of Hungary, today Bratislava Castle houses the Slovak National Museum — Museum of History, the Treasury and a stunning baroque garden; all equally priceless experiences to treasure.
St. Martin’s Cathedral
St. Martin’s Cathedral
Set in the city center at the foot of Bratislava Castle, St. Martin’s Cathedral is an entrancing historic structure. This marvel of Gothic architecture, built sometime after 1291, contains four chapels: the Gothic chapel of Sophia of Bavaria, the chapel of St. Anne, the baroque chapel of St. John the Merciful and the canons’ chapel. These hallowed halls have seen their fair share of famous foot traffic; St. Martin’s served as the coronation church for Hungarian kings and their consorts from 1563 to 1830. The gilded replica crown atop the cathedral’s tower is a sight in itself, as is the portal to the southern antechamber — one of the oldest examples of Renaissance architecture you can find in Slovakia.
Opera House in Hviezdoslavovo Square
Slovak National Theatre
There can be no doubt that the Opera House is the shining star of bustling Hviezdoslavovo Square. This Neo-Renaissance structure has stood tall since 1886; its façade is lined with the busts of famous musical composers from yesteryear. The fountain out front is another focal point: Designed by V. Tilgner, it depicts Ganymede atop an eagle, on his way to serve Zeus in Olympus. Then there are the murals — dramatic scenes by Willibald Leo von Lütgendorff-Leinburg line the interior. These artistic flourishes are simply the pre-performance warmup for the countless ballets, operas and drama performances held here. Even with the newer National Theatre building seating nearly double the spectators, all three mediums continue to use the original.
AmaWaterways cruise sailing the Danube River
Making the Most of Your Visit with AmaWaterways
The main thing all the above have in common (besides being can’t-miss cultural highlights of Bratislava)? You can see them all on AmaWaterways excursions. There’s truly no better way to experience this city than by taking a river cruise; not only do their excursions deliver you to the most-sought-after experiences of the city with walking tours like “A Taste of Slovakia” or hiking up to Bratislava Castle, but their time in port ensures you have enough time to explore the city on your own — be it the countless village shops, galleries, quaint gelato parlors or even the fabled UFO bridge. Tack on the fact that AmaWaterways visits scores of timeless, charming ports with its Best of the Danube itinerary and you’re in for the trip of a lifetime. Of course, our agents know AmaWaterways well, so we can help you choose, plan and book your cruise vacation to perfection.
