Memorials Bratislava - Karlova Ves

Slavín is a monument to the fallen Soviet soldiers who died in combat during World War II in Western Slovakia. It is the only functioning military cemetery in Bratislava, located in the Staré Mesto borough. Situated in the foothills of the Malé Karpaty mountain range, the site is a very popular destination for walks, largely thanks to the magnificent view from the monument. In 1962, Slavín was declared a National Cultural Monument.

The monument was constructed between 1957 and 1960, and its ceremonial unveiling took place on the 15th anniversary of the city's liberation by the Soviet Army on April 4, 1960. The artistic design of the monument is the creation of Slovak sculptor and architect Ján Svetlík, who worked on it alongside a team of several other artists. The concept of the monument was sensitively integrated into the site, where the graves of fallen soldiers were already located at the time of construction, and the monument fully respects their layout. In total, 6,845 soldiers found their final resting place at Slavín, with approximately 7,000 additional Red Army soldiers buried in the cemetery surrounding the monument.

The 52-meter-tall monument consists of several parts. The entrance is formed by a staircase, and there are several statues and sculptural groups in the surrounding area. These enhance the overall sensory experience of your visit right up to the approach to the obelisk itself. The central part of the monument features a ceremonial hall, dominated by a 39.5-meter-high obelisk. Atop the obelisk stands an 11-meter statue crafted by sculptor Alexander Trizuljak, depicting a Soviet soldier hoisting a flag. The soldier's chest alone measures an impressive 1.8 meters in width, with a arm span of 5 meters.

During the Soviet era in Czechoslovakia, a visit to Slavín to pay respects was a mandatory requirement for every foreign delegation. While it is no longer obligatory today, it is still frequently visited informally by foreign statesmen, particularly those from former Soviet Union countries. Most often, however, you will meet local and international tourists in the area who come to enjoy the stunning panoramic view of the entire city.

The monument evokes mixed feelings. On one hand, Slovaks are grateful to the soldiers who defeated the Nazis in 1945 and sincerely pay homage to these casualties. On the other hand, there remains bitterness toward them due to the Soviet takeover of Czechoslovakia in 1948 and the Warsaw Pact invasion in 1968. Whichever of these feelings prevails when looking at the monument, its impressive appearance is undeniable.

If you have not been to Slavín yet, it is time to change that. The beautiful surroundings of the site, the meticulous craftsmanship of the monument, and the overall tranquility you will experience during your walk are truly magical. Furthermore, Staré Mesto has its own unique charm that everyone should experience at least once. Book your accommodation near Slavín and come to our capital city to enjoy strolling through its streets and visiting well-known Bratislava attractions.

To some a eccentric, to others an icon of the capital city of Bratislava. That is how Ignáca Lamára can be called. Do not know who is being talked about? Despite a difficult fate, this eternally smiling man in a tailcoat, with a top hat and a cane, became the model for the statue that adorns the streets of Starého Mesta. The legendary statue in the center of Bratislavy respectfully and with a smile greets all passersby.

Schöne Náci, real name Ignác Lamár, greeted passersby in the streets of Bratislavy for more than 40 years. Although a difficult fate befell him in life, his mother left him, and his father, with whom he cared for his sick brother, died early, Schöne Náci never gave up his smile and made his way through life like a true gentleman. A native of Bratislavy, born back in the times of Rakúsko-Uhorska, he was initiated into the shoemaking trade by his father. After his father's death, he made his way through life mainly as a theater stagehand. He frequently visited performances and adopted mimicry and gestures from actors, which gradually became part of him.

His favorite pastime was daily walks through the town. With his appearance, he drew attention, and the unassuming Ignáca became the legend Schöne Náci. The eternal dandy maintained his taste despite advancing fashion trends. Some looked at him strangely, while others shouted at him. Ignác always responded with a kind and friendly smile. He was popular with many and became a part of Starého Mesta. He ended his life journey in the 1960s in the hospital in Lehniciach. His remains were later transported to Bratislavy, and he found his final resting place at Ondrejskom cintoríne next to another legend, the well-known actor and comedian Júliusa Satinského.

The memory of Ignáca is commemorated by a life-sized statue, which is the work of the academic sculptor Juraja Meliša. Walk through the streets of Bratislavy, experience the unique atmosphere, and come also to greet Schöne Náciho near Rybárskej bráne in Starom Meste. During a stroll through the historical part of the capital, you will encounter another icon. The Čumil statue, also known as Man at Work, is a sort of Bratislava curious onlooker peering out of a manhole. You do not have to worry about tripping over him. From afar, you will be alerted by a cluster of tourists who tend to stop at this spot and take a few photographs.

You will also feel a unique atmosphere when visiting the Galérie Michalský dvor. In the former Jesenákovom paláci, you will find exhibitions featuring works by domestic and foreign artists. An indispensable part of social and cultural life, it is a venue for various events. For a tour of famous Bratislava monuments such as the Primaciálny palác, Dóm sv. Martina, or Bratislavský hrad, you will need more than just one day. So choose from our offer and book accommodation near the Sochy Schöne Náci. Whether you decide on a cozy hotel or a modern apartment, trust that spending a few days in Bratislave is definitely worth it.