The Hungarian Secessionist Catholic Church, known as the Church of Saint Elisabeth or the Blue Church, is located in Old Town Bratislava. The construction was consecrated to Elisabeth of Hungary, who was a princess and, later, became a Roman Catholic saint. She was widowed young and surrendered her wealth for a life devoted to the poor and indigent. After her death at the age of 24, many miracles of healing were accredited to her. She was canonized by Pope Gregory IX in 1235.

Built in 1908, the structure was designed by Odon Lechner, a recognized Hungarian architect. He was known to embellish his constructions with Zsolnay tile patterns. Zsolnay tiles were manufactured by a Hungarian company known for its intricate porcelain, tiles, stoneware and pottery. The tiles on the church’s roof were generated using the pyrogranite process, which involves firing ceramic under exceptionally high temperatures, producing resilient materials which are resistant to acid and frost. The structure has attained its name because of the blue color of the mosaics, which decorate its roof and walls.

The building features a cylindrical tower and bell dome common to the Hungarian Art Nouveau and the Romanesque movement in art and architecture. The single nave church contains vaulted ceilings along with hints of barrel vaults. Romanesque double pillars encompass the entrances and the windows.

The Slovak Philharmonic is a prestigious symphony orchestra based in Bratislava. Founded in 1949, the orchestra quickly established itself as a significant cultural institution both in Slovakia and internationally. Its founding was spearheaded by notable conductors Václav Talich and Ľudovít Rajter, who set a high standard of musical excellence that has been maintained through the years.

The Slovak Philharmonic has been directed by numerous esteemed conductors and has hosted guest conductors of global renown, such as Claudio Abbado, Mariss Jansons, and Sir Yehudi Menuhin, to name a few. Its performances span across Europe and extend to the Middle East, Asia, and North America, making it a well-traveled and celebrated orchestra. It has also produced numerous recordings with various prestigious labels, further solidifying its reputation in the classical music world.

The orchestra's home since the 1950s is the Reduta Bratislava concert hall, a historic building originally constructed in 1773. The Reduta, located in the heart of Bratislava’s old city center, is a former Baroque granary that was extensively remodeled between 1913 and 1919, incorporating neo-Baroque, Rococo, and Art Nouveau elements. This architectural gem not only serves as a concert hall but has also been a vibrant center of cultural and social life, hosting everything from music schools and cinemas to glamorous balls and social events throughout its history.

Today, the Slovak Philharmonic continues to enrich the cultural landscape of Slovakia under the leadership of Daniel Raiskin, who became the chief conductor at the start of the 2020-2021 season. The Philharmonic offers a diverse array of performances, including children's concerts, chamber recitals, and vocal-symphonic works, drawing both locals and international visitors to the 700-seat concert hall in the Reduta. The orchestra's long-standing tradition and its role in fostering musical education and appreciation ensure its place as a pillar of Slovak artistic identity.

The Slovak National Theater of drama, opera and ballet is the oldest professional theater in Slovakia. Its history begins shortly after the establishment of the first Czechoslovak Republic in 1918, while the Neo-Renaissance building in Hviezdoslav Square, showing elements of the Austro-Hungarian influence, is a bit older and dates back to the 1880s.

It was designed by the Viennese architects Fellner & Helmer, and opened on 22 September 1886, with the opera Bánk bán by Ferenc Erkel. As a sign of importance, the then-Hungarian prime minister and entire cabinet attended the ceremony. The gala performance was conducted by Ferenc Erkel himself.

Another Austrian sculptor, Viktor Oskar Tilgner, is responsible for creating outside the Ganymede fountain, in 1888. The original building had a seating capacity of 1,000 spectators and was illuminated with 800 gas lamps, plus a 64-light chandelier in the auditorium.

In 1969-1972, the Theater underwent renovation, receiving a modern technical facility behind the old structure.

Performances take place here on most days of the year, so if you're a passionate theater goer, feel free to check the program in advance, so as not to miss anything worthy.

The Čumil Statue in Bratislava is a quirky bronze sculpture crafted by Viktor Hulík. Located at the crossroads of Panská and Rybárska Brána streets near the Main Square, this statue doesn’t depict any real person but comes from Hulík’s creative vision. It shows Čumil, a figure taking a break and peeking out from a manhole, watching people go by and seemingly enjoying the view of young women.

Kids particularly love this statue because they get to touch Čumil’s head and sit on the statue, making it more engaging. Yet, its placement has caused several accidents with passing vehicles bumping into it. To address this, a sign reading "Man at Work" has been placed beside the statue to alert drivers and add a touch of humor for tourists taking pictures.

Čumil is a popular spot for photos in Bratislava, drawing many tourists. Locals have come up with various fun and symbolic stories about why Čumil is there, ranging from jokes about him being nosy to deeper meanings depicting him as a typical Slovak worker. These stories and the statue’s playful nature spark lively conversations among visitors and locals alike.

Even though Čumil is now protected from traffic by a sign, he still faces the wear and tear of being a beloved interactive landmark. There’s even a light-hearted warning for women about mythical risks involving storks. More than just a piece of art, Čumil helps weave the rich cultural stories and legends of Bratislava.

The Old Town Hall of Bratislava is an excellent example of Gothic architecture. Originally constructed in the 14th century, with the tower dating back from approximately 1370, this is one of the oldest stone buildings in the Slovakian capital. It was originally designed to accommodate soldiers guarding the fortress surrounding the medieval town.

Presently, the Old Town Hall represents a complex of buildings created through merger of several adjacent townhouses, namely: Jacobus' house with a tower, Pawer's house, Unger's house, and the Apponyi palace. Over the ages, the property had undergone numerous reconstructions and served different purposes: as a prison, mint, market, municipal archive, and arsenal depository, until it finally became a town hall in the 15th century. In this capacity it had served until the late 19th century.

During the Renaissance period, the complex passed through various transformations, including those after being damaged by an earthquake and then fire.

Today, it houses the Bratislava City Museum, featuring a collection of historic artifacts: cannonballs; dungeons with instruments of torture; antique weaponry and armour; as well as paintings and miniatures. One of the cannonballs, the one embedded in the tower wall, is of a particular interest to visitors. It has been there since 1809, resulted from the bombardment of the city by the invading Napoleonic army.

In the summer, the courtyard plays host to musical concerts. In the attic of the Apponyi Palace there is a Study Depository of Glass and Ceramics. The beautifully-tiled roof of the building is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. The top of the Old Town Hall tower is open to visitors, as part of the Bratislava City Museum exhibition, offering a round view of the old part of Bratislava and its environs.

The central point in old town Bratislava, the Main Square, has been the hub of the town for centuries. It is surrounded by landmarks, including Kutscherfeldov Palace, Pawera House, Ungerov Dom, and the Maximillian Fountain. Additionally, tons of restaurants, cafes, and bars in the area keep it bustling.

During the winter months, the Main Square is home to Bratislava's Christmas fair. The entire area is decorated, and vendors set up stalls throughout the square. You'll find souvenirs, boiled wine, beer, and many different Slovak foods.

Over the years, the square has changed names several times. During World War II, it was named to honor Hilter. From 1948 to 1989, it was named for the day Bratislava was liberated by the Red Army - 4 April Square.

The square is home to the Old Town Hall building and several other landmark buildings. Old Town Hall was built in 1599 and is the oldest in the country. Today, it houses a museum all about the town's history.

The Japanese and French Embassy are also located here.

Currently the site of a Bratislava concert hall, the Church and Nunnery of the Order of the Sisters of Saint Clare dates back to the 14th century. The church was originally held by the Order of the Sisters of Saint Clare, also known as the Sisters of Poor Clare, which was an order of nuns in the Roman Catholic Church founded by Clare of Assisi in 1212 C.E. The structure is a amalgamation of Baroque and Gothic styles with a fantastic five-sided tower as its most dominant characteristic.

The tower can be seen from all over the city of Bratislava. The tower has a folktale attached to it which involves a knight who is said to have fallen intensely in love with one of the nuns in the abbey but, he was never able to act on his love. The legend says that he erected the tower as compensation to the Mother Superior for permitting him to wed the nun but, the Mother Superior did not satisfy the promise, and consequently broke the young knight’s heart.

Over the years, the convent has been used for several purposed including as a school which educated several famous Slovakians like Béla Bartók and Jozef Murgaš.

The only surviving gate from the city's medieval walls lies at the end of Michael's Street. Michael's Gate (Michalska Brana) was built around 1300 and once stood with three others leading into town. It is one of the oldest buildings in town.

The tower's baroque exterior is a result of reconstruction works carried out in the 1750s. The statue of Saint Michael and the Dragon was placed at the top during this time.

The gate got its name as the Church of Saint Michael stood just outside the city walls here.

At one point, the city was surrounded by medieval fortifications. Entrance to town was only possible through the four gates, all of which were guarded and fortified. The other gates, now demolished, were the Laurens Gate, Fisherman's Gate on the river Danube, and Vydrica Gate.

At its height, the gate was part of a much larger system of fortifications. They included two rings of city walls, two bastions, a barbican, and a bridge over a moat. The barbican is still present and today has been built into houses. The original bridge over the moat was replaced by a stone one in 1727. Some of the moat is also still visible.

The view from the top of the seven-floor, 51-meter tall tower is spectacular. There is no better place from which to view the old town of Bratislava. To get in the tower, enter through the Museum of Arms. The museum contains excellent exhibits about the fortifications and the history of the city.

The street leading from the Michael's Gate, Michael's Street, is lined with shops and attractions. In addition to the Arms Museum, you'll also find the Pharmacy Museum nearby in a very old shop building. There are also bars, cafes, and restaurants lining the street.

The Capuchin Church in Bratislava is a notable historical and architectural gem nestled in the heart of the country's capital. This modest church, dedicated to Saint Stephen of Hungary, stands as a testament to the Capuchin order's expansion into the Slavic region during the early 18th century. Construction began in 1711, marking it as one of the first Capuchin temples in Central Europe. The church originally served as the center of a new parish, gradually earning its reputation as one of Bratislava's most important religious buildings.

Architecturally, the Capuchin Church is an example of the Baroque style, characterized by its tall, angular facade and somewhat low ceilings compared to larger cathedrals. Despite its size, the church features long corridors and tall towers, typical of the solemn and reflective aesthetic of Catholic worship spaces. At the front, a robust column showcases a sculpture of the Virgin Mary, and a memorial statue of King Stephen further enriches the church's entrance.

Inside, the church's white walls and large windows create a bright and welcoming atmosphere, reflecting natural light that accentuates its modest interior. The church houses several religious artworks, including frescoes, statuettes, and wood carvings, primarily focused on religious themes. Notably, outside the church, a plaque commemorates the victims of the plague, adding a historical layer to its religious significance.

Today, the Capuchin Church remains a cherished historical monument in Bratislava, offering a quiet, simple space where visitors can reflect and appreciate its cultural and religious heritage. Its unassuming presence in a bustling metropolis makes it a must-see for anyone exploring the architectural and historical landscapes of Slovakia.

Built in 1661, the Church of Saint Nicholas was erected by Countess Frances Khuen, the widow of Count Paul Pálffy. Located next to world renowned Bratislava Castle, the structure is built in the early Baroque architectural style with a hint of Gothic bravura. The Baroque style was supported by the Jesuit order of the Roman Catholic Church during the 17th century. Common to this type of architecture, the church has expansive naves and vivid lighting. Visitors to the building are greeted by a stone statue of Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of fishermen and sailors of the Roman Catholic Church, who is located in the stone niche above the entrance of the building.

Just like the municipality where it is located, the church has been influenced by the people of diverse nations and religions like the Austrians, Germans, Hungarians, Slovaks and the Czechs. Up until the 1900s, Saint Nicholas’ Church was administered by the Roman Catholic Church. Presently, the facility serves the Orthodox Church. The extravagant altar is recognized throughout the community of academic experts of Baroque architecture as one of the best examples of this time period. The incredible angels at the top of the altar were created by the renowned artist Paul of Levoca.

In the town's early history, worshipping was done at the Bratislava Castle. But in the early 13th century, the King of Hungary requested that the pope allow him to relocate the church. So, as the town grew, the construction of a Gothic cathedral began in 1311.

It wasn't completed until 1452 due to financial difficulties and the Hussite Wars. Additions were made in the 18th and 19th centuries, including the Baroque Chapel of Saint John the Merciful.

The present appearance of the building has been steady since 1877 when significant restoration efforts were completed after earthquakes, fires, and war had damaged the cathedral.

The cathedral is most famous as the coronation church for the Kingdom of Hungary from 1563 onward. Eleven kings and queens and eight of their consorts were coronated in the building.

In recognition of this honor, the cathedral tower is topped with a replica of the Crown of Saint Stephen. This replica of the Holy Crown of Hungary weighs 330 pounds (150 kilograms) and is gold-plated.

The cathedral was built over a cemetery and lay atop an unknown amount of catacombs and crypts. The building is designated a national cultural monument, but it is, unfortunately, decaying due to vibrations from the traffic passing on the Novy Most bridge.

The imposing Bratislava Castle is the most conspicuous landmark in the town of Bratislava. It stands on an isolated rocky hill above the town, and had been built and rebuilt continuously throughout the 9th-18th centuries.

The site of the castle has been of strategic importance for most of the area's history. It is located roughly in the center of Europe. Still, more importantly, it is along the route between the Carpathians and the Alps at a convenient crossing point of the river Danube.

The hill and surrounding area have hosted settlements since before the early Iron Age. Evidence suggests that the first settlements here started around 3,500 BC. In those early centuries, the hill was used as an acropolis for the surrounding town.

Archeological evidence shows a history of Celt and Roman occupation through 500 AD. The current structure was begun in the 10th century but worked lagged over the years. As the need for defense increased for the Kingdom of Hungary, the castle was added on to.

The Kingdom was abolished in 1781, and the castle was more or less dismantled and abandoned. The structures were used as a seminary and military barracks for some time during the 19th century. By the middle part of the 20th century, the castle was in ruins.

A massive restoration effort was begun in 1957 and completed in 1968. The 1968 Federation Law, which formed the Czech Socialist Republic and the Slovak Socialist Republic, was signed in the castle. Many years later, the constitution of now independent Slovakia was also signed in the castle's Knights Hall.

The castle is beautifully restored and houses exhibitions from the Slovak National Museum. Even if you choose not to visit the museum and interior rooms, walking around the castle grounds and enjoying the views of the city and the Danube is not to be missed.