Saturday – Bratislava Coronation Days Programme
From 24 to 26 July 2026, Bratislava, the former coronation city of the Kingdom of Hungary, will transform into a vibrant stage of royal history. The city’s historic centre will come alive with the unique atmosphere of coronation traditions, stories of monarchs, and events that shaped the history of the region.
Saturday, 25 July 2026 – Coronation Day and the Royal Procession through the City
Saturday is the main day of the Bratislava Coronation Days. The programme begins at Bratislava Castle, continues with a ceremonial coronation procession through the historic city centre, and culminates in the reenactment of Maria Theresa’s coronation at the Main Square. Throughout the day, visitors can also enjoy lectures, guided tours, creative workshops and other accompanying events.
9:00 – 11:30 | Opening of the Presbytery of St. Martin’s Cathedral
A unique opportunity to visit the presbytery where Hungarian monarchs were crowned, as well as the crypts beneath the cathedral.
12:30 – 15:30 | Bratislava Castle – Living History at the Castle
Before the coronation procession departs, the eastern terrace of Bratislava Castle will come alive with a historical programme.
Programme:
12:30 Opening
12:40 – 13:25 Falconia Falconers – The Noble Art of Hunting
13:25 – 13:45 Drumming Performance – Banda Allegra
13:50 – 14:05 Performance by Historical Flag Bearers – Flag Art Monadria
14:10 – 14:15 Sword Fighting Demonstration – A.R.G.O. (The Ambush of Baron Trenck)
14:20 – 14:30 18th-Century Military Training – Abbaca
14:40 – 15:10 Juggler PET
Coronation Procession
🕞 15:30
In the afternoon, the historical procession sets off from the castle towards the city centre. Along the route, it will be accompanied by music, drums and costumed performers.
Main Square
🕓 16:00 – 18:00
The programme continues at the Main Square:
16:00 Opening of the programme
16:20 Arrival of the coronation procession
16:40 Sword fighting duels, flag performances and historical dances
17:10 Maria Theresa’s ceremonial coronation ceremony on stage
17:30 Photo opportunity
18:00 End of the programme
After the coronation ceremony, visitors can take photos with the performers.
20:00 – 21:00 | Coronation Concert
Experience an unforgettable evening in St. Martin’s Cathedral, the coronation church of the Kings and Queens of Hungary, where Maria Theresa was crowned in 1741. Inspired by Bratislava’s coronation tradition, the concert features works by Franz Liszt, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johann Sebastian Bach, Antonio Vivaldi, and Mikuláš Schneider-Trnavský. The unique atmosphere of the cathedral will be enhanced by the sounds of the organ, violin, and soprano.
Accompanying program
10:00 – 20:00 | Kakaw Co+, Jesenského 7
Maria Theresa cocoa tasting
Discover a unique cocoa inspired by a recipe from the time of Maria Theresa. The mildly spicy drink with cinnamon combines historical flavors with a modern cocoa ritual. Just say the phrase “AHOJ KAKAO”.
10:00 – 17:00 | Historical Museum of the Slovak National Museum, Bratislava Castle
Hungarian Royal Crown Back in Bratislava
In the Historical Museum you can see a faithful copy of the St. Stephen’s Crown, one of the most important symbols of the Hungarian monarchy. The entrance fee also includes a tour of the museum’s exhibitions.
10:00 – 17:00 | Historical Museum of the Slovak National Museum, Bratislava Castle
From the Levant to the Euro
See with your own eyes the coronation medals and tokens issued on the occasion of the coronations of Hungarian monarchs (Maria Theresa, Leopold I, Ferdinand V and others), which illustrate the history of Hungarian coronations and the history of coinage and medal making in Slovakia.
The project was prepared by the NBS – Museum of Coins and Medals and the SNM – Historical Museum. The exhibition From Levant to Euro can be found on the 1st floor of Bratislava Castle.
13:00 – 22:00 | Festival of Blaufränkisch and Bratislava Wines
📍 Franciscan Square, Bratislava – Old Town
Discover Bratislava’s wine-making heritage during the Bratislava Coronation Days. At Franciscan Square, you can taste local wines from the Rača and Vajnory wine-growing areas, learn more about the traditions of Bratislava’s vineyards and enjoy local gastronomic specialities in the atmosphere of the historic city centre.
Notice
During the event, photographs and video recordings may be taken for documentation and promotional purposes. By attending the event, visitors agree that these materials may be used in the organiser’s promotional and communication materials.
More information about personal data processing can be found in the Privacy Policy (GDPR).
Programme subject to change.
