Viking Cruises

26 | Eastern Europe Destination Guide Discover Bratislava, a charming city where history meets modernity, offering a blend of medieval architecture, cultural charm and picturesque landscapes. City guide BRATISLAVA Located in southwestern Slovakia, Bratislava stretches across both banks of the Danube River and is home to a variety of charming streets, verdant public squares and marvelous baroque palaces. Despite being the largest city in the country, it has a population of about half a million people, giving it a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. It is the only capital city in the world that borders two independent countries—Hungary to the south and Austria to the west.Its origins can be traced to Neolithic settlements dating back 5,000 years. Celtic groups arrived in the centuries that followed, then Romans, who lived there until the Slavs took over in the 8th century. The city was first documented in 907, and it is believed that its name is inspired by the Slav Duke "Braslav." MUST-SEES Start your journey at the Gothic-style Universitas Istropolitana, which was founded by King Matthias Corvinus in 1465. Despite operating for only 25 years, it had a significant impact on the fields of mathematics and astrology. In the heart of the storied square, admire the Roland Fountain, which was built in 1572 to provide water to the local area. Legend has it the statue of the knight atop the fountain— thought to be the city's eponymous legendary defender—bows every year on New Year's Eve. For examples of magnificent rococo and late baroque architecture, visit Grassalkovich Palace—the president's residence—and Archbishop's Palace, home to the city's mayor. The Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral dates to the 12th-century. It is worth looking inside for a glimpse of beautiful, elaborately carved altars.A visit to Bratislava would not be complete without seeing its castle—the city's most popular landmark. Standing protectively over the Old Town, the fort was originally constructed in the 15th-century Gothic style, and later transformed during the Renaissance in the 16th century. Visitors today will find it houses the joint Slovak National Museum—Museum of History, which features a sprawling collection of paintings, glassware and weaponry. At dusk, beautiful sunsets often draw in crowds, who take in the romantic atmosphere as they gaze upon pink and red hues with the imposing castle creating a fairytale backdrop behind them.

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