Summer Archbishop's Palace, Bratislava

Used mainly as a government office, the Summer Archbishop’s Palace was originally built in the 1600s for the prelates of Esztergom. A striking English garden is one of the exceptional features attached to this structure. The current building was constructed under the direction of Archbishop František Barkóczy by architect F.A. Hillebrandt. The facility emulates all of the grandeur expected of a Baroque palace. Together with its Rococo décor, the space is a wonderful example of architecture from this time period. Following the Napoleonic war, the structure was used as a military hospital, with the main room being split in two sections and filled with beds to care for the wounded. In the present day, the building is home to the Slovakian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Only two of the exquisite art pieces from the original structure remain, which were located in the palace’s chapel, a fresco and an altar. The palace is not open to the public, for the exception of one special day each year known as Doors Open Days. On this day, guided tours are provided, which include very specific portions of the building including, the green room, mirror room and the pink room, along with the chapel and the conference room.