Bratislava Castle rises above the capital of Slovakia. This is the most famous castle in Bratislava, and the whole country. Bratislava Castle has been an integral part of the beautiful panorama of the city for many centuries.
Location
This majestic building rises above the Danube (the castle is located on its left bank). The castle is located at an altitude of over 80 meters, on a hill. Not far from it are the crossroads of the country's most important roads.
Historical background
The first settlements are found in this area during the Neolithic. Later, the Celts settled here, and then the Roman Empire built a huge border outpost. The Slavs appeared in the city closer to the 8th century and built a fortress here. Later it passed into the possession of Great Moravia. In the 11th century, the Slavic fortress began to be rebuilt like feudal castles.
The beginning of the prosperity of the Castle was celebrated in the XV century, when the Hungarian king ordered to combine its fortification with a new quadrangular building. In the 1550s, the Castle changes the look of the Gothic castle and turns into a Renaissance royal residence. In 1563 the city of Prespork(Bratislava) for 2 centuries becomes the city of coronations of the Kingdom of Hungary, and the castle itself - the residence of the kings. The large tower of the Castle, located in the southwest, becomes the repository of royal regalia.
The peak of full bloom came in the 1740s-1780s. The castle was rebuilt in the Baroque style, and its halls were decorated in the Rococo style. However, in 1783, by decree of the new Emperor Joseph II, the royal regalia moved to Budapest, and the Castle itself passed into the possession of the theological seminary. In 1811, a severe fire almost completely destroyed the former royal residence. It was only in 1953 that a decision was made to restore Bratislava Castle, which was completed in 1968.
Today
The current City is a large square building with a courtyard in the center. Today the complex houses a historical museum. Almost the entire area of the Castle, with the exception of a small number of halls, is open to the public.
On the first floor, in the southern part of the building, is the Slovak Parliament. In the northern part of the building you can find a music hall where concerts are held.
Monumental Castle, literally recreated from the ruins in the second half of the last century, reflects a thousand-year-old Slovak history, this is one of the main dominants of the city, a national cultural monument of the country.
About the castle
Bratislava Castle includes 4 towers located at the corners of the building, and a yard with a well 80 meters deep. The most massive is the Crown Tower, founded in the 13th century.today the Crown Jewels are preserved. To the east of the main entrance are the gates of the 16th century. Immediately behind the entrance, the arched corridor ends with a flight of stairs decorated in the Baroque style.
Three gates lead to Bratislava Castle. To the city and the bridge - Corvin's Gate (XVI century). In the southeast, there is the Sigismund Gate (XV century), behind them is the picturesque Leopold Garden. In the southwest - the Vienna Gate (1712).
On the surface of the earth near the castle are marked the places where there were buildings that have not survived to this day.
To the west of the castle itself is the recently restored Hillebrandt mansion, built in 1762 and destroyed in a fire in 1811. The area in front of the entrance to the castle is known as the Garden of Honor. It was landscaped back in the 18th century.
Museum
Priceless historical artifacts preserved from antiquity (including valuable archaeological and numismatic collections) are exhibited in the museum complex, which is part of the Bratislava Castle. Bratislava is proud of this national treasure.
Historical expositions show the course of development of the material and spiritual culture of the country. Since the time of feudalism, there are amazing objects of art and crafts, documentary evidence of the development of cities and the life of the population. The latest history is also widely represented - from the beginning of capitalist times to the present day; important exhibits of folk art; deserves attention andcollection of musical instruments.
The archeological exhibition holds valuable finds: the Paleolithic “Venus” from Moravan, part of the skull of a Neanderthal from Shali, unique jewelry made of gold in the Bronze Age, finds from graves in Nowy Koshariski, blacksmith and agricultural tools of the Celts, monuments of Roman times and more. The permanent exposition of archaeological finds is called "Treasures of the ancient past of Slovakia".
The Hall of Fame is another interesting exposition in Bratislava Castle, where the main modern trophies of Slovak hockey are exhibited.
Conclusion
Bratislava Castle - a castle whose photos and history confirm the significance, sophistication and uniqueness of this priceless centuries-old building. This place is the pride of the country and a favorite tourist attraction.
