Bratislava cannot be attributed to the category of European cities visited by tourists. There is no brilliance and splendor neighbor-veins, there is no romantic mood of Prague, but it is difficult to find the city as cozy, pleasant and homely, as the Slovak capital.
Bratislava - the city is very small and compact. The main attractions of the city, located in step accessibility, at a slow pace can be examined the day, as much to spend on the surrounding locks. So, what can be seen in Bratislava and its nearest surroundings?
Bratislavsky Grad.
Bratislavsky Grad is a snow-white majestic building, built on the outstage of small carpathians, an integral part of the Panorama of the Slovak capital. In its appearance, the elements of the Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque are reflected. In the Grada today is the Slovak People's Museum. Grad surrounds the park, and from its viewing platforms there are magnificent views of the old Bratislava, Danube and a new bridge. The entrance to the territory of Grad is free.
Main Square Bratislava
The main, or market square is the center of the old town of Slovak capital. Gothic, baroque and classicism were mixed here. In winter and spring, Christmas and Easter fairs are held here. In the center of the square there is a fountain called Roland in honor of the Knight-defender of Bratislava. One of the urban legends is connected with him: according to legends, on New Year's Eve and Good Friday Roland comes with his pedestal and rides the area. They did not go around Roland's legends and neighbor - a soldier in the Napoleonic tricon, who was aheaded near the bench. It is rumored that it is Napoleon himself.
In general, Bratislava is good with its small sculptures. So, slightly away from the main square, it looks out of the sewer Luke Chumil - Plumbing Zewak. And a little away, closer to the Danube, stands Hans Christian Andersen with the heroes of his fairy tales - to his ear, a trick Ole-Lukoe, and at the feet I was a funny tasty snail.
Old Town Hall
Old Town Hall, located on the main square of the Old Town - one of the oldest Bratislava buildings, rebuilt repeatedly. Initially built in the Gothic style, it was later rebuilt in the Renaissance style with the elements of Baroque, with a wing in the style of late Gothic and the late Renaissance, the building was used as a place for the city council, an archive, a mint and prison. Nowadays, there is a city museum. The cost of a ticket to the museum is about 4 euros.
Cathedral of St. Martin
The Cathedral of St. Martin, built in a neo-neutic style, the Chief Cathedral of Bratislava and one of the largest in Slovakia, into beatenly Bratislava, the capital of Hungary, was the coronation cathedral where he crown the Hungarian kings. At the top of the cathedral there is an accurate copy of the Hungarian royal crown. The internally decoration of the church is noteworthy by the gothic reliefs and the image of the Holy Trinity, as well as the famous thanks to the Saint Martin and Beggar. There is a cathedral in close proximity to the new bridge.
Mikhailovskoe gate.
Mikhailovsky Gate, this is the only element of the fortifications of the city, preserved from the Middle Ages to the present day. The appearance of the gate is rather reminiscent of the tower. In the premises there is a museum of weapons and urban fortifications with entertaining exhibitions.
Slovak National Theater.
Slovak National Theater is the oldest in the country. The old theater building in the historic center of the city is built in the style of the late Renaissance, is a brotherslava business card. Before the building is a famous fountain called "Ganymed".
Archbishop Palace
The white-pink building of the Archbishop Palace with marble sculptures and columns is considered one of the best samples of classicism in Slovakia. Now there is a residence of the mayor of Bratislava. The building keeps magnificent palace tapestries, as well as portraits of representatives of the Habsburgs dynasty. The cost of entry into the palace - 2 euros.
New Most
The new bridge, peroxided over the Danube River, is famous for its futuristic design. Built relatively recently, just over forty years ago, it has only one support - on Earth, and not a single river in line. The bridge is considered the most original in the world from all such designs. At the very top of the support of the bridge there is an observation deck, in shape resembling a flying plate. Here is the restaurant "UFO". From the observation deck, excellent views of the Danube, the historic part of the city and new areas, as well as to Bratislavsky Grad. The cost of the ticket to the viewing area is 8 euros.
Palace Grassalkovichi
Palace Grassalkovichi - a snow-white building built in Rococo style with baroque elements. Now the palace is the residence of the President of Slovakia, sometimes he calls "Slovak White House." Before the building of the Palace is a fountain made in the form of a globe and a symbolizing world around the world. Around the palace there is a park, bounded by a wrought-iron fence, with monuments, statue and sculptures of modern artists. The building of the palace and the park are open to visiting tourists. Free admission. Here you can look at the guard of honor of the Guards.
Devin castle
The ruins of the castle Devin is one of the symbols of Slovakia. They are on a high rock, on the arrow of the Danube and Morav. The most picturesque part of the castle - the maiden tower standing on a high cliff. Devin Castle is just 10 kilometers from the center of Bratislava, you can reach it on the usual city bus routes number 28 or 29 coming from a new bridge. The castle is open year-round other than the period from November to March. Entrance to the territory - 3 euros.
Castle worn stone
Another castle near Bratislava is a black stone, considered the most beautiful castle in small carpathians and one of the most preserved in the country. In the castle there is a museum and a falconian courtyard, in the summer there are awesome costume excursions and various festivals. You can get to the castle on the bus coming from the bus station, buying a ticket to the village of Chasta. You can get on the territory of the castle for free, a ticket to the museum - from 1 to 5 euros.
In Bratislava, it is difficult to find magnificently decorated palaces or luxurious gardening ensembles, but as said the storyteller Hans Christians mentioned above - "This city is a fairy tale."
