13 Best Sights in Slovakia

With roots dating back more than a millennium—it was first mentioned in 907 for its role in a battle between Bavarians and Hungarians—Bratislava Castle was significantly rebuilt in the Renaissance style in the mid-16th century. It's this enormous, rectangular form with four stocky towers that you can see today (though it incorporates architectural features from throughout its history, and the dazzling white paint job is distinctly 20th century). Walk up the (steep) castle hill and pass through one of the four entrance gates (probably Viedenská brána or Leopoldova brána) for incredible views of the town and the Danube below. The grounds are free to enter, so you can soak up the vistas as long as you like; make sure you visit the beautiful Baroková záhrada (Baroque Garden) while you're at it. You only need to pay if you want to head inside, either for the SNM-Historical Museum, which is a little sparse but does include access to the Crown Tower via a narrow passageway, or any of the regularly changing temporary exhibits.

One of Bratislava's newer art galleries is quickly becoming one of its best. The striking space-age stacking of concentric rings in its architecture has earned it the nickname "small Guggenheim." The cool design is matched by outstanding Slovak paintings and sculptures from the 19th century to present (starting at the 4th floor and working down). Notable artists among the 46 on display include Ladislav Mednyanszky, Andrej Barcik, and Vladimir Kompanek. The gallery's lighting, although not instantly noticeable, plays a big role in the presentation, with almost 500 Reggiani LED luminaries working in conjunction with the sunlight pouring down through the large, round ceiling window.

The enormous golden crown and cushion on top of this beautiful Gothic cathedral reveals that this was once a coronation church. In fact, it was the coronation church for Hungarian (and later Austrian) monarchs for more than 250 years; 19 different royals were crowned here between 1563 and 1830, including Empress Maria Theresa. The church was also one of the city's lines of defense, which explains the chunky walls, the arrow-slit windows, and the exceptionally tall (lookout) tower. Luckily, the interior is more delicate and decorative, with dramatic rib vaults, colorful stained glass windows, and a grand altar showing St. Martin in a traditional Hungarian hussar dress. Next to the cathedral lie the remains of the Neologická Synagóga (Neological Synagogue), demolished by the communist government in the 1970s, and overlooked by the glorious facade of the Lekáreň u Salvátora (Pharmacy Salvator).

The centerpiece of old Bratislava and the city's most dominant sight, the castle overlooks the Danube River from its hilltop position. Rebuilt and burned several times in its 1000-plus year history, it was reduced to just its shell during the Napoleonic wars. Serious renovation began in the 1960s when exhibition rooms were installed. An even larger rebuilding started in 2008 and is now more or less completed. The interior and exhibitions are open to visitors and managed by the Slovak National Museum. The castle grounds are well worth a stroll and afford some of the best views of the city.

Located on the confluence of the Morava and Danube rivers that form the border between Slovakia and Austria, just 10½ kilometers (6½ miles) west of Bratislava, lies this extraordinary ruined castle. Built on the top of a high crag, the enormous Devín Castle is one of the oldest in the region, first mentioned in written sources in 864. You can learn about the history of the castle and the village (all the way back to Neolithic times) in a fascinating exhibition within the castle walls. Enjoy the sweeping views from the top of the ruined Upper Castle, and take a snap of the famous Maiden's Tower, a tiny watchtower precariously balanced on a lone rock that has spawned countless legends of imprisoned women leaping to their deaths. In summer, there are kid-friendly medieval-themed events held in and around the castle. To reach Devín, take Bus 29 from Bratislava (30 minutes) or drive west out of the city on Devínska cesta.

This grand Rococo-style summer residence was built in 1780 for Count Anton Grassalkovich, advisor to Empress Maria Theresa (who was crowned in Bratislava in 1761). Today, it's the official residence of the president of the Slovak Republic so it isn't possible to see inside, but come at 1 pm any day of the week to witness the ceremonial Changing of the Guard. You can also head around the back of the palace to explore the lovely Prezidentská záhrada (Presidental Garden), a public park that's an oasis of manicured lawns, sculpted hedges, and gorgeous flower displays. It also has a number of avant-garde sculptures, including the playful Fountain of Youth by Slovak sculptor Tibor Bártfay.

Bratislava's main square is the beating heart of the city, home to some of its most interesting history, architecture, and artworks. The centerpiece of the square is Maximiliánova fontána (Maximilian's Fountain), erected in 1572 as a public water supply. The knight on top is said to bow once a year, on New Year's Eve, though only for those pure of heart and born in Bratislava. The square is ringed by a number of beautiful Gothic and Baroque buildings, many of which are now embassies. The most notable of these is the Stará radnica (Old Town Hall), which is actually a mishmash of different houses built at various stages from the 14th century onwards; look for the cannonball embedded in the town hall's tower. Opposite, on the corner outside Café Mayer, is the Schöne Náci (Nice Nazi) statue, depicting a famous local eccentric who cheerfully wandered the streets in top hat and tails. As well as the permanent fixtures, the square also hosts regular markets, concerts, and political events.

This charming, tree-shaded promenade is named for renowned Slovak poet Pavol Országh Hviezdoslav and lined with some of the city's grandest buildings—now mainly embassies, hotels, and restaurants. The "square" starts with a statue of Hviezdoslav and ends at Morový stĺp, a beautiful Baroque trinity column. Just east of Hviezdoslav Square is the old Slovenské národné divadlo (Slovak National Theatre) building, while just around the corner crowds gather to see the popular Čumil (Rubberneck) sculpture; a cheeky bronze chap peeping out from under a manhole cover.

Bratislava's most striking Secession (art nouveau) style building, the Church of St. Elizabeth is noted for its powder blue exterior, which extends all the way up to its 120-foot round tower. The unusual color scheme continues throughout the early-20th-century building, from the blue ceramic roof tiles, mosaics, and maiolica (tin-glazed pottery) decorations outside, to the baby blue pews and arches inside. The church once functioned as the chapel of the school opposite, which is evident in the two buildings' similar design elements (though the school has a rather more traditional color scheme).

The last gate standing from Bratislava's original 13th-century city walls, Michael's Gate was rebuilt in the Baroque style in 1758; that's when the onion dome was added. Look up to the top of the tower to see the dome, as well as a statue of the archangel Michael slaying a dragon; or look down to see a bronze plate showing the distances to different world capitals. Also of note is the remarkably skinny house on the northwest side of the gate, now a fast-food joint. Normally, for a small fee, you can climb the tower for great views over the city (and visit the small Museum of Arms inside), but as the gate is currently closed for reconstruction, you'll just have to admire it from the outside.

This gorgeous Neoclassical building, constructed between 1778 and 1781 for the Archbishop József Batthyány—"primate" is a title given to a bishop; nothing to do with monkeys—played a vital role in European history in 1805. That's when the palace's Hall of Mirrors was used to sign the fourth Peace of Pressburg, which effectively brought an end to the Holy Roman Empire. Today, you can visit the beautiful hall, elegantly furnished with period pieces, as well as the picture gallery with portraits of Hungarian rulers. Somewhat surprisingly, the palace also contains a rare collection of exquisite English tapestries from the time of King James I (1566–1625).

Attached to the Museum of Viticulture—which traces the long history of wine-making in the Bratislava and Lower Carpathians region—is this beautiful 16th-century wine cellar offering regular tastings. The national collection is made up of Slovakia's "Top 100 Wines," which are chosen from more than 600 entries each year; you can find everything from Tokajs to ice wines. Choose to sample two, four, or eight of the collection's wines, or six of their "premium wines," and a professional somelier will guide you through the experience. Alternatively, opt for the self-guided, all-you-can-drink "72 wines in 100 minutes" tasting. All tastings are available for individuals or groups, but it's best to call ahead to ensure an English-speaking guide.

St. Martin's Cathedral is the seat of the Roman Catholic archdiocese and one of Slovakia's most prized architectural gems. Built on the foundations of an earlier Romanesque church, this Gothic construction was officially opened and consecrated in 1452. It served as a defensive structure as well, given its position along the city walls. Today, the three-aisle interior is home to astonishingly beautiful artwork. Stop and appreciate works inside the four chapels, the rib vault ceiling, and the exquisite stained-glass windows. During the Turkish occupation, it served as the coronation site for 11 kings of Hungary. The crypt is also open to visitors.