Bratislava Castle

Overview

Bratislava Castle stands on a hill above the Danube, its rectangular white block crowned by a tower at each corner. Once a royal palace of the Kingdom of Hungary, it burned in 1811, lay derelict for over a century and was rebuilt as a museum in the mid-20th century. The courtyards look over the red roofs of the old town and the Danube, with the Austrian border on the far bank.

History

A Slavic fortification from the 9th century, it was enlarged into a royal palace under the Hungarian kings in the 15th century, destroyed by fire in 1811 and rebuilt in the mid-20th.

Highlights

• •The white castle with its four corner towers
• •Courtyard views over the old town
• •The Slovak National Museum
• •The Danube and the border beyond

Practical tips

• •The climb is steep — bus 203 runs up to the castle
• •Evening light over the river is the best time

Practical information

Best time

April-October

Tickets

Museum about EUR 10; courtyards free

Opening hours

10:00-18:00

Local food

Bryndzove halusky, roast pork knuckle

Getting around

About a 15-minute walk from the old town, or bus 203 to the castle.

Visa

A Schengen visa is required; apply about one month in advance.

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