Old Town Hall

Why visit

The Old Town Hall is not one building but several medieval houses joined over the centuries, around arcaded courtyards. The oldest part, the house of Mayor Jacob, still has its defensive tower.

The building has housed the Bratislava City Museum for more than 150 years. Together with the neighbouring Apponyi Palace it tells the story of the city, from medieval trade and crafts to everyday life.

What to see

• City history exhibition: the museum’s permanent display, set in rooms with fragments of wall paintings, stone portals and carved ceilings.
• The tower: included in the visit, with a view over the Old Town rooftops and the Main Square.
• Courtyards: arcades and Renaissance details linking the different houses.
• Cannonball: lodged in the tower wall next to a Gothic window, a reminder of Napoleon’s bombardment of the city.

Plan your visit

Visit on your own with one ticket for the Old Town Hall and the Apponyi Palace; you can enter through either building. Paid admission.

The tower is reached by stairs. Allow one to two hours for both buildings.

The Maximilian Fountain stands on the Main Square right outside, and the Franciscan Church and Primate’s Palace are a two-minute walk away.