Bratislava Castle - a landmark of Slovakia

Bratislava Castle towers above the capital of Slovakia. This is the most famous castle in Bratislava, and the whole country. Bratislava Castle has been an integral part of the beautiful panorama of the city for many centuries.

Location:

This majestic structure rises above the Danube (the castle is on its left bank). The city is located at an altitude of over 80 meters, on a hill. Not far from it are the crossroads of the country's most important roads.

Historical reference

The first settlements are found in this area during the Neolithic period. Later, the Celts settled here, and then the Roman Empire erected a huge frontier outpost. The Slavs appeared in the city closer to the VIII century and erected a fortress there. Later it became the property of Great Moravia. In the XI century, the Slavic fortress began to rebuild like feudal castles.

The beginning of the prosperity of the Castle was celebrated in the 15th century, when the Hungarian king ordered to combine its fortification with a new quadrangular building. In the 1550s, the castle changes the appearance of a Gothic castle and turns into a Renaissance royal residence. In 1563 the town of Prešpork (Bratislava) became a city of coronations of the Hungarian kingdom for 2 centuries, and the castle itself became the residence of kings. The Great Tower of the Castle, located in the south-west, becomes a repository of royal regalia.

The peak of full bloom occurred in the 1740s-1780s. The castle was rebuilt in Baroque style, and its halls are decorated in rococo style. However, in 1783, by the decree of the new emperor Joseph II, the royal regalia moved to Budapest, and Grad himself took over the theological seminary. In 1811 the strongest fire almost completely destroyed the former royal residence. Only in 1953 a decision was taken on the restoration of the Bratislava Castle, the work on which was completed in 1968.

Today

The present City is a large square building with a courtyard in the center. Today there is a historical museum in the complex. Almost the entire area of the Castle, with the exception of a small number of rooms, is open for free visits.

On the ground floor, in the southern part of the building, is the Slovak Parliament. In the northern part of the building you can find a music hall where concerts are held.

Monumental castle, literally recreated from the ruins in the second half of the last century, reflects the millennial Slovak history, it is one of the main dominants of the city, a national cultural monument of the country.

About the castle

Bratislava Castle includes 4 towers located at the corners of the building, and a courtyard with a well 80 meters deep. The most massive - the Crown Tower, founded in the XIII century, it now preserves Crown jewelry. To the east of the main entrance are the gates of the 16th century. Immediately behind the entrance rivets the attention of an arched corridor, ending with a ladder march, decorated in the Baroque style.

Three gates lead to Bratislava Castle. To the city and the bridge - Korvinovy Gate (XVI century). In the south-east are the gates of Sigismund (XV century), behind them is the picturesque garden of Leopold. In the south-west - the Vienna Gate (1712).

On the surface of the earth near the castle are designated places where there were buildings that did not survive to this day.

To the west of the castle is a newly restored mansion named after Hillebrandt, built in 1762 and destroyed in the fire of 1811. The area before entering the castle is known as the Garden of Honor. It was landscaped in the XVIII century.

The Museum

Invaluable historical exhibits, preserved from antiquity (including valuable archaeological and numismatic collections), are exhibited in the museum complex, which is part of the Bratislava Castle. Bratislava is proud of this people's treasure.

Historical expositions show the development of the country's material and spiritual culture. Since feudal times, there have been amazing art and crafts, documentary evidence of the development of cities and the life of the population. Widely presented and the latest history - from the beginning of capitalist times to the present day; Important exhibits of folk art; The collection of musical instruments deserves attention.

The archaeological exhibition stores valuable finds: the Paleolithic Venus from Moravan, part of the skull of the Neanderthal from Shali, unique jewelry made from gold in the Bronze Age, finds from the graves in New Kosharisk, blacksmith and agricultural tools of the Celts, monuments of Roman times and much more. A permanent exposition of archaeological finds is called "Treasures of the old past of Slovakia".

The Hall of Fame is another interesting exhibition in Bratislava Castle, where the main modern trophies of Slovak hockey are on display.

Conclusion

Bratislava Castle is a castle, photo and history of which confirm the importance, sophistication and uniqueness of this priceless centuries-old structure. This place is the pride of the country and a favorite tourist destination.