We depart from Vienna in the late morning. The train we intend to take is cancelled because of a technical defect, so we take the next one 30 minutes later. The bad luck turns out to be good luck, because there are 2 train stations at Bratislava and with the later train we arrive at the station closer to the historical center.
From the train station, we walk towards the town center. We pass the presidential palace and take a walk in the attached garden.
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Presidential palace and garden.
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The statue of Maria Theresa in the Presidential garden points at the former Habsburg rule. She was also responsible for major reconstruction work at Bratislava castle.
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Square in front of the Presidential palace and Fountain of Peace.
On our way we also have a look inside the Church of Saint Stephan of Hungary of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin.
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In view of Bratislava castle and the Church of Saint Stephan of Hungary.
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The Church of Saint Stephan of Hungary from outside.
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The interior of the Church of Saint Stephan of Hungary consists of wood which provides an interesting contrast to the white walls.
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In view of the remains of the city walls and Saint Martins cathedral next to the modern highway.
We see a sign pointing to the nearby castle and decide to first ascend to the castle where a beautiful Baroque garden and an amazing view over the city await.
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Bratislava castle from up close
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Baroque garden at Bratislava castle with a view towards the hills surrounding the city.
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In view of the castle from the Baroque garden.
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In view of the remains of Medieval walls at Bratislava castle, with the modern city in the background. The modern sculptures to the left depict three Saints Cyril, Methodius and Gorazda, who evangelized the early Slavs.
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View from Bratislava castle across the Danube towards the new town.
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The equestrian statue depicts ninth-century king Svatopluk I of Moravia. He enjoys a stunning view over the new town of Bratislava.
After visiting the castle, we descend and walk around the historical center of Bratislava.
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In the streets of Bratislava, in view of Michael's gate, the only surviving gate of the Medieval city walls.
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Bratislava Main square with Roland fountain, in view of the Old Town Hall. The bear next to the fountain is modern and probably not dangerous.
After having eaten an amazing Pizza, we walk some more through the historical center, not least because I look up the wrong train (which departed from the station further away from the center) and so we decide to take the next one. I have the opportunity to shoot some night photos.
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Man at work.
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Fountain in the historical center.
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Column of Saint Mary and tower of the Old Town Hall. The column is a symbol of the Habsburg counter-reformation.
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Palace of the Hungarian Discount and Exchange Bank on Bratislava main square. The facade is from the 19th century.
