3 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).