Slavín Memorial

Why visit

Slavín is a memorial and military cemetery for the Soviet soldiers who died in the fighting for Bratislava at the end of the Second World War. It is a national cultural monument, looked after by the city.

The hill sits among quiet villa streets above the Old Town. Few places give a wider view of the city: the castle, the Danube and the rooftops are all below you.

What to see

• Obelisk: a granite obelisk almost 40 metres tall, topped by a bronze soldier, above the ceremonial hall.
• Cemetery: six mass graves and rows of individual graves, reached by a monumental staircase with sculptures.
• Terraces: views over the Old Town, the castle hill and the Danube; on clear days you can see into Austria.
• Reliefs and inscriptions: on the walls around the monument.

Plan your visit

A free outdoor memorial. It is a cemetery, so behave quietly and respectfully.

The approach is up steep streets and the upper terraces are reached by stairs. Walk up through Horský park, about 20 minutes from the Old Town, and come back down past the villas.

Allow 30 to 45 minutes; the light is best in the late afternoon and at sunset.