Located at the meeting point of Austria, Slovakia and Hungary, Bratislava is a must-visit destination for travelers. Its close proximity to Vienna and Budapest makes it the perfect day trip from either city.
A visit to Bratislava Castle is a must-do when you arrive in this historic city. The towers of the castle offer a fantastic view of Bratislava and its neighboring countries.
1. St. Martin’s Cathedral
The Cathedral is a symbol of Bratislava’s past and it shouldn’t be missed on any itinerary. Its Gothic architecture is a sight to behold, as are the huge stained glass windows and pieces of colorful sacred art.
Inside the church you’ll find statues and relief scenes depicting religious figures. A wall mural displays the list of kings crowned here and coronation dates.
It’s worth exploring the crypts below, which contain the remains of several bishops. There you’ll also find an equestrian statue group portraying St. Martin, the patron saint of Bratislava, who is known for his instinctive act of generosity by dividing his cloak to give to a beggar.
2. The Old Town Hall
The Old Town Hall is one of the oldest stone buildings in Bratislava and it dates back to the 14th century. It has been repaired many times but it still maintains its original appearance.
The main building consists of a tower, two single-storey annexes on the west and south side, the council chamber on the upper floor, the session chamber and the Jirik hall on the lower floor. It is dominated by a coffered ceiling from the 16th century, polychromed in the second half of the 16th century, and it is embellished with Gothic wooden panelling.
During the Hussite movement, 1419-1434, extensive modifications to the Old Town Hall were carried out. Four new halls were established in the south wing. The original appearance of the court and session rooms was lost in these renovations.
3. The Blue Church
The Blue Church is one of the most unique landmarks in Bratislava. Designed in the Hungarian Art Nouveau style by architect Odon Lechner it is a true masterpiece and stands out from its surroundings.
It is a must-see for anyone visiting Bratislava and you will not be disappointed. It is a gorgeous example of Hungarian Art Nouveau with a Secessionist flair that will leave you in awe.
Its dazzling blue facade, mosaics, and majolicas are just a few of the things that make this church so special. It is also a popular place of worship and has a long waiting list for weddings and christenings.
4. The Man at Work
Located on a hill, Bratislava Castle overlooks the Danube and offers some of the best views of the city. The castle is a major tourist attraction and a great spot to relax and take in the city’s beauty.
The castle is also home to the Slovak National Museum. The museum has some nice collections and is a good place to learn about the history of the Slovak Republic.
There is a lot to see and do in Bratislava, and visiting the castle is one of the best ways to see it all! After you visit the castle, take a stroll through the grounds to enjoy the statues and the beautiful views of the city.
5. The Cumil Statue
The Cumil Statue is probably the most popular statue in Bratislava, and it’s easy to see why. It depicts a jovial man peeping out of a sewer hole, grinning and looking out into the distance.
The statue is located at the intersection of Laurinska and Panska Streets, near Ryba Brany. It was erected in 1997, and it’s a fun photo op.
There are many other quirky statues in Bratislava, but the Cumil Statue is probably the most famous and most photographed. His name means “watcher” or “man at work.”
The Cumil Statue is one of the best landmarks to see in Bratislava, and it’s definitely worth taking a photo with. The surrounding areas are pretty and there are other interesting places to visit. There’s a UFO Bridge, the medieval city walls and more.
