Old Town
Monarchy. The first republic. Socialism. The present. River. Parks. Squares. Fountains. Shopping malls. Streets. Are you ready to reveal all the layers of the city’s history and area?
This route will show you what Bratislava and its identity are like. How modern times have transformed the former Prešporok (historical name of Bratislava). How communist totalitarianism swept away what stood in its way of brighter Tomorrows. How the Danube never stops flowing through the ever-beautiful historic city.
Starting point: Square Námestie SNP
Route length: 7.6 km
Trip time (including breaks): 1-2 h
Terrain: flat
Surface: 100% paved
In traffic: 50%
Difficulty: easy
Bikesharing: yes
Download the GPX file here
Your route starts and ends at at square Námestie SNP (A). Just as the bells have symbolically tolled for the former regime here, and we have begun listening to the people again. Behind the charming Old Market Hall, ou will pass around the “first skyscraper” of Bratislava, the iconic Manderlák (B). Next, on spectacular square Hviezdoslavovo námestie, feast your eyes on the Slovak National Theatre building and the Ganymede’s Fountain (C). Finally, the Plague Column (D), a monument to an epidemic centuries ago at square Rybné námestie, will bring you to the bridge.
Cross the Danube in high style over the bridge Most SNP (E), a controversial icon of Bratislava for half a century. To enjoy the views and have a coffee, take a lift on the UFO 85 metres above the ground. On the other bank, get some fresh air in the green lungs of the city. As one of the oldest parks of the former monarchy, the city park Sad J. Kráľa (F) also hides a medieval tower and the signs of the zodiac. To get back to the centre, cross the bridge Starý most (G). The views are unparalleled here.
Square Šafárikovo námestie is an elegant entrance to the Old Town. Note the contrasts between the monarchy’s decorated buildings and the First Republic’s university and skyscrapers in the east. However, the delightful Blue Church (H), the pinnacle of Prešporok’s Art Nouveau, stands just around the corner. An obvious contrast to the modernist architecture of the shopping mall on square Kamenné námestie (I)!
A unique building from the socialist era is the inverted pyramid of Slovak Radio (J). The nearby monumental square Námestie slobody (K) is dominated by a fountain in the shape of lime blossom. Apart from the socialist craze, you will find there the Government Office, which used to be the Archbishop’s Summer Palace. You can also stop by the Planet of Peace fountain located in front of the Presidential Palace on square Hodžovo námestie (L). Square Námestie SNP the destination of your route, is just a stone’s throw from here.
By clicking on “Zobraziť na Mapy.cz” on your mobile and downloading the app, you can use navigation directly based on your location. Enjoy the route!
