Bratislavský hrad
Bratislavský hrad, proudly towering over the Dunaj river, is considered one of our national symbols. Visiting our capital city should be a duty for everyone, and the castle is no exception. However, its past was not always rosy.
The castle lies on the castle hill, which is considered the southernmost spur of the Malé Karpaty mountain range. Located here was an important strategic point, a ford, thanks to which the castle gained good connections with the other bank of the Dunaj.
The first inhabitants were likely dwelling on the castle hill as early as 4,500 years ago, although this could not be proven. Stone structures stood on the castle hill during the 9th century. There was even a brick basilica standing here. However, we only encounter the castle in the year 907, when it bore the name Pressalauspruch. The downfall of Great Moravia occurred, and the castle became an important border castle.
Bratislavský hrad was subjected to fierce raids by the Tatars. It resisted them in 1241. Despite the castle's success, the king at the time, Belo IV, decided to improve the existing fortification. He focused mainly on strengthening the western side of the castle, from where he expected the most raids. A large residential tower and a defensive tower, today known as Korunovačná veža, were built.
The castle underwent several major changes; one of the largest began during the reign of Žigmund Luxemburský, who came to power in 1387. The reason was the threatening risk of Hussite raids. A new two-story palace was built.
When Bratislava became the center of the entire country, it was necessary to renovate the castle again. This took place in the years 1552–1560. The castle received two new wings, and its interior spaces were also renovated.
Perhaps you cannot imagine it today, but for long centuries, the castle had only two floors and two towers. The castle began acquiring its current contours during the reign of the Pálffy family, when the third floor and the remaining two towers were built between 1635 and 1639. The golden age of the castle continued during the reign of Mária Terézia, but after her death in 1780, the castle gradually declined. It was no longer needed and became a seminary. Among others, Anton Bernolák and Juraj Fándly studied here. Neither did this seminary last long. In 1802, the castle was acquired by the army, which converted it into barracks. In 1811, a terrible fire engulfed the castle, turning it into a ruin. Subsequently, the castle lay in ruins for many years and received a dignified reconstruction only after 1953. It underwent its most recent reconstruction only recently, and there is no longer any sign or trace of its dark past.
In conclusion, an interesting fact. Do you think the castle has a square shape? Many people think so, but it is not true. The reality is that each castle wall has a different length. The walls measure 85.20 meters, 85.17 meters, 77.15 meters, and the last one measures less than 60 meters. Their width is also different. Treat yourself to a visit to the castle; in addition to the permanent exhibition of the Slovenské národné múzeum, this national symbol offers an unforgettable view of Staré Mesto, Petržalka, as well as the deep waters of the Dunaj.
It is most ideal to stay near the castle in Staré Mesto. You will find luxury hotels or stylish guesthouses here. Cheaper accommodation is offered by the outskirts of the city, where there is no shortage of private rooms and apartments for rent. Bratislava has dozens of beautiful places, and the very first one you should visit is Bratislavský hrad.
