Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, is a rather attractive destination for tourists. This small, pretty European town pleases the eye with cobbled streets, small shops and cozy cafes, as well as interesting buildings of various styles and eras.
Bratislava Castle
More than a thousand-year history of Slovakia is symbolized by the monumental castle - Bratislava Castle, located on a rocky cliff above the bank of the Danube. It is popularly called the "inverted stool" because of the 4 towers at the corners of the building. The first predecessor of this castle appeared in the 3rd millennium BC, and the Bratislava castle acquired its modern appearance in the 15th century. The last restoration was at the end of the 20th century to eliminate the effects of the fire of 1811.
Now the castle houses expositions of the folk museum, and from the walls of the castle and its towers a magnificent view of Bratislava opens. There is a park next to the castle, where you can also enjoy a wonderful panorama of the city.
Old city
The most interesting in terms of walking is the historic district of Bratislava - the Old Town, which begins at the foot of the Bratislava Castle. It contains many architectural and historical landmarks, churches and cathedrals, which are united by narrow cobbled streets.
The Old Town Hall, which is now a city museum, St. Martin's Cathedral - the largest Gothic church in Bratislava, the operating Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas, the Main or Market Square, where the Baroque, Classicism and Gothic styles harmoniously merged, the Mikhailovskaya Tower with the Weapon Museum inside, Roland's fountain in the Renaissance style, built in 1572, etc. All the main attractions are easy to find by walking along the streets of the Old Town.
Devin fortress
The ruins of a former fortress are located at the confluence of the Morava and the Danube. The first fortifications appeared here during the time of the Roman Empire. The fortress was intended to protect Great Moravia from the Franks. After the fall of Moravia, the fortress lost its significance, but it was again used in the clashes between Austria and Hungary. Finally, the Devin fortress was destroyed by Napoleon's army, and after that it was never rebuilt.
At the foot of the ruins of a former fortress, there is a small wine-growing village where you can easily taste the local wine.
Devin is located 8 km from the center of Bratislava, and you can get here not only by bus or car, but also by a small boat on the Danube.
Grassalkovich Palace
Another remarkable object on the territory of Bratislava is the Grassalkovich Palace, which is now the presidential residence. It was originally built in 1760 for Count Anton Grassalkovich, who was a close advisor to Empress Maria Theresa.
The palace has changed many owners, but now it is the residence of the President of Slovakia. The local garden is always open for walks, and watching the changing of the presidential guard is considered a popular entertainment among tourists.
Funny monuments
Also, on the streets of Bratislava, you should find funny sculptures that immortalize a variety of people in bronze. One of these sculptures is a monument to a photographer who lurked in an attempt to take a picture around the corner of the Paparazzi restaurant.
Also interesting is the monument to a plumber, which everyone will certainly stroke on a helmet to fulfill a wish, although many call him not a plumber, but just a man spying on pretty girls. The local eccentric who takes off his hat in greeting will also delight fans of urban sculpture.
In the Main Square, you can find a soldier of the French army leaning on a bench, and he is notable for the fact that he has a real prototype - the Frenchman Johan Hubert. He was injured and fell in love with a local nurse, which is why he decided to stay in Bratislava. Later he created Hubert wine, which is very popular in Slovakia.
