Bratislava Castle

What was initially supposed to be a one-day sightseeing trip in Bratislava, turned into a two-hour run-through the capital city of Slovakia. It was March the 3rd, a day with an unbelievably bad weather and a wind that pierced down to our bones. This was the reason we cut our city break short. Even this way half the group stayed on the tour bus, deciding not to see the Old Town (which of I’ll talk more in the next post).

entrance to Bratislava castle

When I think of a European castle that has existed since the Xth century, I mostly imagine a ruinous building, embracing all the architectural styles and historic afflictions of a millennium. But the castle of Bratislava was something else. Something very different.

Castle of Bratislava

It’s like it’s brand new. The tour guide told us that the original castle had been burnt to the ground in the early XVIII-th century, and was only rebuilt in the 1950’s, in Theresian style. Now, I don’t know about you, but I found it kind of weird that it was so “modern” and whitewashed, and I haven’t decided yet whether I liked it or not.

error

What I am certain of is, that I most definitely didn’t like the error that we came across while we were “scanning” the building while the tour guide was talking. I think that it is unacceptable for a capital city’s symbol to have such a fault. I thought it was very disturbing.

Slovak king

As we were taking a few snapshots of the place, the guide brought our attention to the statue in front of the castle and told us that it wasn’t even worth to take a photo of it. When asked why, he responded “Because this king is a traitor. He sold his country for a horse”.

view of the bridges of Bratislava

Although we caught a really bad weather, I have to admit that the view from the castle was very nice. On the photo above you can see a view of the bridges, and on the one below, the lovely little Old Town which I fell in love with as I was walking through (and of which you can read more of in the next post). Have a lovely weekend, everyone!