Bratislava Castle is one of the points that most attract attention and attract visitors in the city, and it's not for less! Imposing, the castle is on top of a hill, on the banks of the Danube River, 85 meters high and looking at the city from above, from where you have beautiful views of the city and its historic center.
One of Slovakia's greatest attractions, Bratislava Castle has remained an important point in the country's history for centuries. An interesting visit, which offers a lot of information and a beautiful view over the city of Bratislava, the capital of the country.
Bratislava Castle
The Bratislavský hrad, name of Bratislava Castle in Slovak, is located next to the historic center of the city, the Old Town. It is said that from the top of its tower, accessible through the 3rd floor, it is possible to see three countries on clear days with a blue sky: Slovakia, Austria and Hungary.
As the day I visited the castle it was raining a lot, I cannot confirm the veracity of the statement, as I could barely see Bratislava itself. However, I believe that the statement is true, because the view is beautiful!
History of Bratislava Castle
The hill on which Bratislava Castle stands has been inhabited since the transitional period between the Stone and Bronze ages. Therefore, the castle was mentioned for the first time in 907 in documents reporting the battle between Bavarians and Hungarians.
It is said that the Celts were the first residents of the place, and that they built the first castle here. Remnants can be seen in the gardens next to the current Bratislava Castle.
However over time, it has been destroyed and rebuilt countless times. The imposing structure has been transformed over the years and a milestone was the inclusion of a tower in the XNUMXth century.
Between 1387 and 1437 the reconstruction of Bratislava Castle was done in Gothic style. In 1562 it became a Renaissance castle, having been rebuilt in 1649 in the Baroque style. It was exactly during this period that Bratislava Castle was converted into a royal seat by Empress Maria Theresa.
In 1809 the castle was bombed by Napoleonic troops and in 1811 it was burned down, lying in ruins until 1950, when it was again rebuilt in the style of Empress Maria Theresa.
Seat of Parliament
Its four white towers pointed at the apexes, where only one of them is different, are considered the symbol of the city. Since the independence of Slovakia, Bratislava Castle has been the seat of the parliament (actually it is in the castle complex) and houses the Historical Museum of the Slovak National Museum (Historické múzeum) which exhibits Slovak art collections.
Booking your hotel in Slovakia or Bratislava through here, in addition to guaranteeing the lowest price, you also have, in most hotels and apartments, the option of free cancellation.
Access Gates
Bratislava Castle has four gates, three of which are entrances to the complex:
- Sigismund's Gate
In the southeast, being the site's best-preserved original gate, built in the XNUMXth century. This is considered the most complex and most frequent access for those coming from the old city to the southern part of the castle complex.
To get there, just follow “Židovská” street and “Mikuláška” street, and then “Beblavého”. Continue on the street until you find the stairs and street called “Zámocké schody”.
- vienna gate
In the southeast – built in 1712. This is the main entrance to the Bratislava Castle complex. Accessible from the south, coming from “Palisády” or “Mudroňova” streets. Anyone using public transport or a car will probably enter this gate.
- Nicholas Gate
In the northeast – built in the XNUMXth century. Take “Židovská” street and turn into “Mikuláška” street. You will see the street with many stairs, just go up.
- Leopold's Gate
Visit to the Bratislava Castle
Tour Types
The visit to Bratislava Castle is paid and there are two possible tours: Tour A and the Tour B.
O Tour A is the visit to the castle, knowing its dependencies, collections and exhibitions. On this tour you can also see the Treasure Room. For this visit you can pay an additional fee to take pictures.
O Tour B it's only for visiting the Treasure Room, the treasure room. This room cannot be photographed.
I opted for Tour A.
visit itself
On the ground floor, where the visit begins, there are several explanatory panels about the reconstruction and history of Bratislava Castle. There are still some pieces of stones and ornaments that were part of its structure before the fire and destruction by Napoleon's troops.
Here is the music room with the large painting The Assumption of the Virgin Mary by Anton Schmidt. The frame was restored and installed in place. It has every explanation of it and every story of its step-by-step restoration.
2 Floor
On the 2nd floor are the exhibited collections that are works of the Museum of History, belonging to the Slovak National Museum. Countless paintings, tapestries, an incredible collection of coins from different eras.
3 Floor
The 3rd floor features temporary exhibitions and has a cafeteria. Be sure to climb the staircase in one of the corners of this floor. These stairs lead to the top of the tower, which even when closed offers 360º views from the highest point of the castle!
treasure room
The treasure room is located in a separate room at the entrance to Bratislava Castle. Unfortunately, this part was disappointing for me. No doubt I expected to find more than vase pieces, a few coins, and tiles that were a few thousand years old.
Mainly because the rooms are small, with little on display. It definitely does not do justice to the need to have a tour sold separately.
My personal opinion about the visit
A visit to Bratislava Castle is interesting, but definitely not essential. When deciding to visit, be aware that the rooms visited are reconstructed. Including, there is no type of furniture or old rooms. The works on display are interesting, but no great works of art hang on its walls.
Practical Information
Directions
Getting to the castle requires a bit of effort and leg strength, either by climbing the ramps or the stairs that lead there. From the old town, just follow the signs to the castle.
bratislava guided city night walking tour and drink
Public transport
There is a possibility to go to the castle using public transport, trolleybus (bus) number 203 and 207.
The stop iscastle” (Castle) and from there just walk for 2 minutes to the Castle.
The two buses pass through the city center.
private trains
For those who prefer convenience, there are little trains that leave in front of the Slovak National Theatre (Teatro Nacional) and tour the city, passing by.
Address
Zámocká 811 01 Bratislava – Staré Mesto.
http://visit.bratislava.sk/EN/
www.bratislava-hrad.sk
Bratislava Castle timetable
Open from Tuesday to Sunday, between 3am and 10pm.
Arrival
Tour A (visit to the castle and all exhibitions, including tour B – Treasure room)
Adults: €10.
Gentlemen and students €4.
Families: 1 adult + up to 2 children: €12;
Likewise, families with 2 adults + + up to 3 children pay €20.
Permission to Photograph: €2.
Tour B (Treasure room only, does not include visit to the castle)
Adults: €3.
Seniors, students: €2. (photos are not allowed in this room)
