Little Big City - Bratislava

Bratislava’s nickname “Little Big City” comes from the fact that it is Slovakia’s largest city, but one of the smaller European capitals. The charming city center and Old Town areas are very compact with many beautiful buildings, but not many visitors compared to other nearby European cities. This unique city is the perfect place to go if you are seeking something different, giving you a break from the large crowds and hectic cities of the other eentral European cities.

Here is what caught my eye, hope you enjoy!

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Built between 1967 and 1972, crossing the Danube River, is the New Bridge, crowned by the UFO Restaurant and Observation Deck. The view from the observation deck would probably be awesome, especially at sunset, unfortunately, time did not allow for me.

The Holy Trinity Column in Rybne Square, was erected to commemorate the plague from 1712 to 1713.

Rybne Square

Manhole cover design

The Cumil Statue, in Old Town, was created by sculptor Viktor Hulik. The Cumil fellow seems to be enjoying himself during a work break, sticking his head out of the manhole, to enjoy the ladies passing by.

Bratislava has many interesting bronze figures including Napoleonic soldier and Hans Christian Anderson.

The special charm of the city can be found in the old quarter with narrow streets lined with cafes and shops.

You cannot just pass these architectural details by without stopping to admire or photograph them.

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Life-like details in the architecture

Wrought iron gate details

Simple architecture also exists here

At one point, the city was surrounded by medieval fortifications, and entrance was only possible through four gates, all of which were guarded.

Micheal’s Tower, the oldest building in town, is the only surviving gate from the city’s medieval walls. The Tower, built around 1300, once stood with three others.

So many of these beautiful architectural arches

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This is Wine Not !! in the center of Hlavane namestie

The somewhat-whimsical fountain depicts St. George battles with the dragon in Primates’ Palace Courtyard. It was built in the mid-17th century in the Grassalkovich Palace Garden, but was moved to this location in the 1930’s.

Old Town Square

Sometimes a door is just a door, and sometimes they are works of art

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Old Town Hall, an example of Gothic architecture, originally constructed in the 14th century, with the tower dating back to approximately 1370.

Old Clovak National Museum, opened in 1886, was designed by Viennese architects Fellner & Helmer

Pharmacy Salvator, a Neo-renaissance building and former pharmacy, was built by pharmacist Rudolf Adler in 1904.

Lion with shield statue

What you should know:

• You could spend a couple of hours to a couple of days.

• This is a walkable city.

• Many people speak English.

• People are friendly and helpful.

• There is a large amount of public art, so enjoy it!

• There are many restaurant / bar options.

• There is free wifi in more than a dozen locations in the city center. Find “VisitBratslavia” to register.

• The currency is the Euro.

• You will need a valid passport and a power plug adapter if you are from the US.

• There is no real rule rule on tipping, but 10% is generally acceptable.