Bratislava is an elegant, small and quiet city

Bratislava is a charming, quiet city

Bratislava is a city that enjoys beautiful tranquility and a distinctive character that takes you in beautiful relaxation to where the oasis of her love, without knowing what happened to you on both banks of the Danube River. What a city with a special charm, as if it came from the distant past, especially the old city at its heart contains the spirit of the Middle Age of Central Europe.

Bratislava is located at the foot of the Lesser Carpathian Mountains in the southwest of the state of Slovakia, above both banks of the Danube River. It also occupies the left bank of the Morava River, adjacent to the borders of both the states of Austria and Hungary, as it is the only administrative capital of a country in Europe, and even in the whole world that lies on the borders of two sovereign states.

Bratislava is the largest city and capital of the State of Slovakia, with a population of about 500 thousand people, as it represents the political, economic and cultural center of the Slovak Republic, where, of course, there is the seat of the Slovak presidency and also the Slovak Parliament, as well as many headquarters and branches of many international companies.

A brief history of Bratislava

Bratislava is a city with an eventful history, as its first mention in history dates back to 5000 BC, and throughout history it was annexed to the Kingdom of Hungary, where it was the center of coronation, legislation, and capital of the Kingdom of Hungary from 1536 to 1783. Eleven Hungarian kings and eight queens were crowned. in St. Martin's Cathedral. Then the Kingdom of Austria annexed it from 1840 to 1919, and it ended up being annexed to Czechoslovakia and renaming it for the first time by this name "Bratislava".

Is Bratislava an excellent tourist destination?

Despite the small city of Bratislava, it is a very distinct tourist destination, as it is distinguished from others by a unique set of natural, geographical and historical conditions, which gives it an exceptional package of attractive factors that make visiting it a rare opportunity for many travel lovers around the globe.

During this article, I will try to shed light on these factors, to present a brief overview that helps the reader, especially the Arab reader or even the foreigner, to make the conscious decision to include Bratislava, that elegant and small city, also on the list of destinations he wants to visit during the New Year holidays 2023. I will also devote the following parts of the article to reviewing the various aspects of life that interest tourists in Bratislava.

Sightseeing in Bratislava "Attractions"

The city of Bratislava is a small city when compared to its counterparts from the capitals of central European countries such as Budapest, Prague or even Vienna, the capital of Austria, which is 55 km (33 miles) away as a virtual straight line between two points and by land road shown on the map 78.17 km (48.47 miles) traveled by car In 41.3 minutes, by train in 47.1, while by plane in 3.7 minutes. It can also be traveled using one of the river units across the Danube River in approximately an hour and ten minutes.

The city of Bratislava includes many museums that display in detail the city's eventful history, and there is also a lot of archaeological heritage that tells us about the successive civilizations that passed through that city, including the Primate Palace, Bratislavia Castle, the remains of Devin Castle, the Blue Church, and the watch tower or office, which is now One of the most famous restaurants in Bratislava, and there is also the Apollo Bridge, the Slovak National Uprising Bridge, and there are still many, many more.

It is worth noting that the city of Bratislava enjoys a nature of tranquility and tranquility, with its picturesque forests, rivers and lakes.

Top ten tourist attractions in Bratislava

It is indeed worthwhile to spend the 2023 New Year's Eve holiday in a quiet and attractive city contemplating its natural scenery, eating delicious food, and moving between its attractions.

1. Bratislava Old Town

Old Bratislava is a wonderful group of collection monuments that remained from the wars of past ages, which is represented in the wonderful city museum, which was founded in 1868 and speaks of its history and the different civilizations that it passed through, and that tower that enables you to have a panoramic view of the city center and its main square and the historical Roland Fountain.

The ancient city of Bratislava makes you feel the charming intimacy of the beautiful sounds of music that flow into your ears from every direction, starting from your entry from Michael's Gate to enjoy the old buildings with unique architecture and full of shops, cafes and restaurants in which it is advisable to book in advance.

Indeed, it is an ancient city that blends history, art, music, and renewable talents in great harmony. You can also buy wonderful souvenirs suitable for everyone.

2. Bratislava Castle

This impenetrable fortress, which was built in the form of a quadrilateral on top of a hill adjacent to the bank of the Danube River, with four watch towers in each corner of its quadrilateral shape, and it has a charming view of the river coast, and its weather is distinguished by that it is a mixture of the weather of the three countries that share borders (Austria, Hungary and Slovakia).

Bratislava Castle is the most important tourist attraction for the city, with its high location, through which you can see the surrounding area and perhaps the entire city, not to mention the museum exhibits, the castle’s interior decorations, also its garden, which was rebuilt in 2016 and surrounded by a high wall that was built on the ruins of its original wall. The garden is supported by historical documents and drawings by the landscape architect who designed it for Maria Theresa.

The castle also houses a statue of Svätopluk I, prince of the Principality of Nitria, Great Moravia, which dates back to the mid-9th century and a famous well that was used to water the soldiers.

3. Blue Church - Saint Elizabeth

Is a picturesque Catholic church located in the eastern side of the old city of Bratislava, established in the period from 1909 to 1913, and it is considered one of the most beautiful tourist destinations that you can visit because of its unique blue design, the blue color covers everything here, the blue mosaics cover its external facades, as well as its roofs, doors and windows, all things are blue and the luxurious and elegant round tower surrounded by tall green trees as if responsible about his protection. It is a beautiful engineering building, suitable for all families and groups, and entry to it is free.

4. UFO observation deck

It is one of the most famous buildings in Bratislava. The elevator takes you to it in 45 seconds after it travels a height of 95 meters, so that you can see as far as your eyesight can reach, which may reach 100 kilometers, to really know the extent of the magic of seeing the city of Bratislava, which the passage of the Danube River cut through its bowels.

It has a unique view of the Danube River, green forests, and views that captivate the mind and heart together. It enables you to fly in the hollow of the horizon at sunset to catch the soft yellow of the sun with your hands, what a feeling that is difficult to describe.

It is indeed an imaginary journey that suits everyone. The elevator fee is 5 euros at the time, the restaurant is pre-booked, and the prices, of course, are not cheap.

5. Primacialny Palace or Primate Palace

This palace was built between 1778 and 1781 to replace the original palace with a classic façade adorned with beautiful statues and vases. This palace is also decorated with a magnificent iron hat weighing 150 kg, and inside it contains wonderful collections of English furnishings dating back to the seventeenth century. It is indeed a wonderful and attractive engineering building that is worth visiting and enjoying, the San Giorgio Fountain and the huge dragon.

6. Watcher Statue

It is really a wonderful statue around which a lot of claims were woven to entertain tourists and attract them to the place around the girl who broke the promise with her lover after she discovered the nature of his work as a cleaner, but in fact, according to a report conducted by the site Misbar, which indicates that the statue was designed by the contemporary sculptor (Victor Hollick) for a character he invented called (Chummel) completely unknown through which he wanted to create a general atmosphere of fun that expresses the happiness of people and draw a smile on their faces as he dreamed one day.

The statue of “Chummel” was erected in its current place in the heart of Bratislava just two years after Slovakia's independence at the end of the Soviet era, specifically in 1997, and since then it has attracted the attention of passers-by and is worth a visit because it has truly become one of the important landmarks in the old city of Bratislava.

7. Devin Castle

What is currently left of Devin Castle represents the remaining remnants of the effects of wars, but it is beautiful and enjoyable and has good explanations of its history, and the most appropriate way to reach it by ship across the Danube River, and there are some cafes and a hotel for accommodation for those interested, which is a family-friendly trip and its entrance fees are not exorbitant 4 euros for adults and 2 euros for children, and there is also a discount for families. It also offers a magnificent view from the top of the river of delightful green spaces and from afar you see the air turbines in action.

8. Main Square

It is a square that is not vast, but rich in many historical monuments and architectural masterpieces that look like an elegant harmonious ensemble. Public concerts and cultural events are often held. How lucky you are to see how nice the Slovak people are and how they spend their free time.

9. Slovak Philharmonic Theatre

It is the second oldest professional theater in Slovakia and is a truly impressive decorative architectural design, especially at night, where it looks like the lamp that lights up the city of Bratislava.

The works of three high-end musical bands are presented:

- Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra

- Slovak Philharmonic Choir

- Slovak Chamber Orchestra

10. Presidential Palace - Grassalkovich Palace

It is the presidential palace, of course inhabited by the President of the Slovak Republic as his official residence since 1996. It was established in 1760 under the name of the Rococo Palace as a summer residence for the President of the Hungarian Royal Chamber and Advisor to Empress Maria Theresa, Count Anton Grassalkovich.

It has a stunning classic façade as if it were a painting created by an artist, and behind it is a wonderful French-designed garden full of ancient trees containing a statue of Empress Maria Theresa on horseback, and the Fountain of Youth by the famous Slovakian sculptor Tibor Partvay.

Edit This Article