Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is a relatively new country that appeared in 1992 after Czechoslovakia split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia. It’s a city of long history and culture and it’s so close to Vienna that some people could consider it a suburb of the great Austrian capital. Although one can find so many similarities between these two wonderful cities, Bratislava has something of its own, a touch that makes it one of the most picturesque European capitals.

It’s no doubt that the Bratislava Castle is the landmark of Bratislava. The four corner tower building stands on a rocky hill, above the Danube, right in the middle of Bratislava. If the weather is good, one can admire the whole city from here, as well as the lands of Austria and even Hungary! The building has three entrance gates and it’s a stylish combination of three major architectural styles: Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque. The castle was the main fortified structure for many years, during the 16th century Kingdom of Hungary.

But the surroundings of the castle are quite captivating, as well. One can easily get to the Museum of Jewish Culture and the Municipal Museum, that are just next to the castle. Other interesting spots around this area are the Blue House and the remainings of an ancient tower that was used to guard the Danube ford. On the southern side of the hill, one can get by foot to the Baroque Church of the Order of the Holy Trinity and the Renaissance Bramer Manor House, where the Archaeological Museum is housed.

And if you’re tired of this area, you can walk to the Main Square of the medieval town. This is actually the center of the historical city. The square is dominated by the superb Town Hall and by the sandstone Renaissance Maximilian’s Fountain. And if you got tired of the city you can take the take the bus to Koliba, a large forest located just 20 minutes from the centre of the town with many views over the city.

Image credit: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

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