Church of St John of Matha and St Felix of Valois
The Baroque Trinitarian Church on Župné Square, where Antonio Galli-Bibiena's painted cupola makes the interior seem far larger than it is.
Why visit
The Trinitarian Order, which ransomed Christians from Ottoman captivity, built the church in the early 18th century. Its design is thought to follow St Peter’s Church in Vienna.
Step in from the busy square for the cupola: Antonio Galli-Bibiena painted it in trompe-l’œil, so the space seems to open far higher and wider than it really does.
What to see
- Illusionistic cupola: the fresco by Antonio Galli-Bibiena, with the red and blue cross of the Trinitarians at its centre.
- Main altar: the altarpiece shows the two founding saints ransoming prisoners from Turkish captivity.
- Statues behind the altar: St Agnes and St Catherine, attributed to Johann Baptist Straub.
- Marian altar: a side altar with a copy of the Regensburg Madonna.
- Rococo portal: the richly decorated main entrance celebrating the Holy Trinity.
Plan your visit
Admission is free. It is an active church, so visit outside services, dress modestly and keep quiet; a look round takes 15 to 20 minutes.
Michael’s Gate and the Old Town are a few minutes’ walk away.
Address
Župné Námestie 25/11, 811 03 Bratislava, Bratislavský kraj Slovensko
Tourist Information Center
Get maps, travel tips and information about Bratislava and the surrounding region. The centre has a step-free entrance and offers a tactile city map, talking cubes with information about 12 landmarks in six languages, and magnifying glasses.
More info