Maximilian’s Fountain
Bratislava’s oldest fountain, a Renaissance stone basin topped by an armoured knight, standing in the middle of the Old Town square.
Why visit
Emperor Maximilian II had the fountain built in the 16th century after a great fire, to give the town a public water supply. It is the oldest fountain in the city.
Locals call it Roland’s Fountain after the medieval protector of town rights, although the armoured knight on top is most likely Maximilian himself.
What to see
- The knight: the armoured figure faces the Old Town Hall; legend says he turns and bows once a year, at midnight on New Year’s Eve.
- Stone details: the carved basin and figures around it; the lion is a copy, with the original kept by the Bratislava City Museum.
Plan your visit
The fountain stands in the open on Hlavné námestie and can be seen at any time, free of charge. It takes a few minutes and fits into any Old Town walk.
The Old Town Hall, the Primate’s Palace and the Jesuit Church are all a minute or two away. In December the Christmas market surrounds it.
Address
Main Square, 811 01 Bratislava, Slovakia
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.
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