Bratislava Castle is of great strategic importance as the crossing between the Carpathians and the Alps will require crossing the Danube. It was an important trade route for thousands of years. It was used continuously for a long period. In the early 19th century, Napoleon’s attack left the castle in ruins and the explosion of ammunition inside the castle left it in ruins.

In the 1950s, it was decided to restore the castle and today we can see the results of that restoration, which is only now being completed. The castle, which used to look burnt, now shines like a light.

Bratislava Castle, the symbol of Bratislava, was built on a rock on the banks of the Danube. This large four-cornered castle is located at a point where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Bratislava and the Danube. The asymmetrical architecture of the castle does not bother you. The castle garden is open to the public and you can enter for free. Therefore, you do not need to pay any fee to watch the view.

In the center of the view terrace is a statue of Svatopluk I, the great king of the Moravian Empire, on horseback. Svatopluk I was admired for expanding his territory in the 10th century.

The castle has four gates. Vienna Gate, Zigmund Gate, Nicholas Gate and Leopold Gate. Each of them has different views, but don’t expect much. Be sure to see the baroque garden decorations at the back of the castle structure if you go up to the castle.

I cannot say that the castle is a castle that appeals to the eye in general. I can’t say that the view is spectacular either. But it is strong in terms of history. For history buffs, there are ruins of the old castle on the roadside below the castle.

Where is Bratislava Castle and how to get there?

To get to Bratislava Castle, you need to take trolleybuses number 203 and 207 and get off at the Hrad (Castle) stop. These vehicles provide transportation to the city center. Then you can reach the castle with a two-minute walk.