About this experience
Starting from the famous castle, never conquered by siege, you will descend into old Pressburg - that's the name of the ancient city that became part of Czechoslovakia at the beginning of the 20th century. Luxurious coronations of Hungarian kings and the sad fate of the Jewish quarter, medieval legends and modern traditions, the severity of Gothic churches and luxurious palaces, ancient frescoes and funny modern sculpture - all mixed in this colorful city, where every corner is steeped in history.
What to Expect
Bratislava Castle
You will learn the complicated history of Slovakia's most famous castle, find traces of different eras on the facade, stroll through the beautiful baroque garden, and the ruins of the basilica from the time of the Great Moravia. You will also see two neighboring Austrian castles from the observation deck. I will tell you where the secret room of Bratislava Castle is located and whose fault it was that it remained in ruins for over a century.
Suburbs and Old Town
Next, you will meet the Bratislava Witch, learn the history of the vanished Jewish quarter, and admire the magnificence of the legendary St. Martin's Cathedral, where Empress Maria Theresa was crowned in the 18th century. You will see the building of the medieval university, the oldest church in the city, a portrait of the Renaissance era on the wall of the town hall (legend has it, drawn by the devil himself), and many other treasures of Bratislava. I will tell you why bakers from the neighboring market were lowered into the well in the square, how Bratislava winemakers became famous, and why all of Bratislava loved the urban eccentric Ignatius Lamarr, whose monument stands in the main square of the city.
Rest in a cozy cafe and valuable recommendations
I will gladly share local tips - where to buy the best Slovak wines and unique souvenirs, what local cuisine delicacies to try, and which places to visit in the city's surroundings. The tour includes a coffee break in the middle of the walk (15-20 minutes) - we will stop at one of the typical Bratislava cafes, located in an ancient building with an interesting history.
Organizational Details
- The cost of the tour includes a drink (espresso, cappuccino, or tea) at the cafe
- Visit to the Franciscan church is possible only if there is no service at that time
- The tour route is quite challenging (length - over 2 km, altitude difference of more than 20 m, steep stairs). Therefore, we do not recommend this tour for travelers with small children. If desired, the route can be changed in favor of a gentler, but longer climb, but in this case, you will miss some sights of the suburbs.
