Bratislava Castle is situated 85 meters above the river Danube in the western part of Bratislava. The castle had many different names over the course of time: Castle Bratislava, Pressburg Castle or Bratislavský hrad.
First ever mention of the castle building was in 805. In the 11th and 12th century, a medieval stone palace was built, which was rebuilt and expanded over the years by the respective rulers of their time. In the fifteenth century, the present layout of the castle finally developed. The reconstruction was also necessary because of the attacks of the Hussites, and accordingly, also the defence system was improved.
In 1780, the governor left the castle and it lost its importance to the government. For some years the castle was owned by the church before it became a quarter for soldiers in 1802. In 1811, the castle burned down due to the carelessness of the troops. For 150 years it stood over the city as a ruin. Reconstruction and renovation of the old structures began after WWII. After Slovakia declared independence in 1992, the Slovakian President resided in the castle until 1996. Today Bratislava Castle is a museum and a representative building.
If you want to visit the castle, you have to climb the hill. Or take a bus. We walked to Bratislava Castle and came through the main gate.
That first led us to the main square in front of the castle. From here you can visit the courtyard and go to the museum. If you walk around the castle you come to a small park, from where you have an excellent view over the city. For the way down, we went through a side gate, which opens to a staircase down the mountain.
I am a bit torn what to think of Bratislava Castle. Architecturally, it is an unspectacular building. Builders worked on an extension of the building at the time of our visit. The façade is plain and without embellishments. But the castle was originally built for defence, and it fully fulfilled its purpose in that regard. Nevertheless, the building has fascinated me with its simplicity. The view of the city is really great. Also, the good strategic choice of the location is interesting to see. If you are not a museum visitor, there is little to discover on the castle grounds.
Address:
Miejscówka Józefińska 4
30-529 Krakau
Susanne Jungbluth
Sorry, I’m living in Berlin. It was just a weekend trip to Bratislava.
Warren
There is a historical man of leadership, simplicity and frugality who is featured in the castle. He worked from his small room and kept a routine. I did not manage to get his name. I would like to know more about him. Is there a chance you could identify him?