Bratislava Castle

Opening hours

Museum: open daily except Tuesday from 10:00 to 18:00, last entry at 17:00
Castle grounds: open daily from 08:00 to 22:00

Basic admission: €14 / 100% discount with Bratislava CARD

Bratislava Castle majestically rises 80 metres above the Danube and has been a symbol of the city for centuries. Its history dates back to the 13th century, since then it has undergone many reconstructions and became the seat of rulers as well as an important fortress. After being destroyed by fire in 1811, it was reconstructed only in the 20th century. Today it is the home of the Historical Museum, which presents the development of society in Slovakia from the Middle Ages to the present. For more info about the castles history click HERE.

The Historical Museum at Bratislava Castle offers a unique view of the development of society in Slovakia from the Middle Ages to the present. In its exhibitions you will discover archaeological finds, works of art, and objects of everyday culture. The tour also includes the impressive historical interiors of the Castle, which enhance the atmosphere of past centuries. Visiting the museum is an ideal opportunity to get to know the history of Slovakia in one of the country’s most iconic places.

Castle Festivities
Every year during the Bratislava Cultural Summer, various events take place in the castle courtyard. A big attraction are the theatre performances of the Summer Shakespeare Festival with the castle as a backdrop, organ concerts, as well as medieval craft markets, when the courtyard turns into a lively marketplace of craftsmen. The biggest attraction, however, are the Bratislava Coronation Days, during which you can watch a 200-member coronation procession from the castle.

Places Not to Miss

The Baroque Garden in the area of Bratislava Castle was originally built according to the design of Maria Theresa’s architect. Take a walk among silver lindens and statues and take a photo at the fountain. The restored garden, with boxwood forming Baroque patterns, is surrounded by a high wall built on the exact foundations of the original wall.

The Crown Tower is the oldest preserved part of the castle. It was built in the 13th century as a defensive tower of an older castle. It was named after the Hungarian coronation jewels, which were stored here, with interruptions, in the years 1552 – 1783. As part of the museum visit, you can go up to its top, from where there is a view of the whole city.

Treasury: In the Treasury exhibition, exceptional utilitarian objects are displayed, most often used for dining, complemented by decorative or representative works, originating mainly from Slovakia, Austria, and Germany, from the period of the 17th century until the first half of the 20th century.

 

History of the Castle

Bratislava Castle is located in a strategic location above the Danube, as evidenced by traces of its oldest settlement dating back approximately 4,500 years from the Eneolithic period. Later, the Celts lived here, who created a fortified settlement serving as an acropolis for settlements in today’s historic center of Bratislava.

In the 9th century, during the existence of the Great Moravian Empire, the castle became an important center and probably the residence of a prince. In the 11th century, the castle was rebuilt into a stone palace and the Church of St. Saviour, which became the center of church administration.

In the 15th century, during the reign of Sigismund of Luxembourg, the castle underwent extensive reconstruction. A new palace was built in the Gothic style and strong fortifications were built. In the 16th century, during the reign of Ferdinand I, the castle acquired a Renaissance appearance.

In the 18th century, during the reign of Maria Theresa, the castle underwent a Baroque reconstruction. It temporarily became the residence of the governor of Hungary, Albert of Saxe-Teschen, who was a passionate art collector. His collections later became the basis of today’s Albertina in Vienna.

After a fire in 1811, the castle gradually fell into disrepair. In the 20th century, it underwent extensive reconstruction, which was completed in 2011. Today, the castle is the seat of the Slovak National Museum and also serves as a representative place for the Slovak Parliament.