4/10/2024 Bratislava, Slovakia

We didn't want to do any of the optional tour items in Vienna, so we took the tour to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, it is set along the Danube River by the border with Austria and Hungary.

As we were driving out of Vienna we passed a park with the world's oldest operating Ferris Wheel, built in 1897

As we drove into Bratislava, we could see the Castle on the Hill, the first stop on our tour.

As we got to the top of the hill we found they were having wind gusts of 40 mph, and a cold wind it was.

The building is now government offices and a exhibition center.

In comparison to some of the castles we have seen, this one was pretty plain, very few external ornimentation.

In the exhibit hall, there was an exposition of a local artist, but it was closed the day we were there.

In front of Bratislava Castle is Svätopluk, a mighty 7.8 metre bronze statue of Svatopluk I of Moravia looking menacing on horseback.

The ceremonial gate to the castle only used for state visits.

Back down on low ground, the old town is only open to foot traffic, no vehicles allowed.

On the bridge to enter the old town is a statue of the Archangel Michael

Official Crest of the City of Bratislava

For the most part the City wall was torn down.  The only remaining gate of the old city is Michael's Gate with its beautiful tower.

Maximillian's Fountain The most famous fountain in Bratislava, Slovakia, as well as one of the city's important landmarks. It is located in the Old Town, in the Main Square. Its construction was ordered by Maximilian II, the King of Royal Hungary, in 1572 to provide a public water supply. The fountain is topped by a statue of Maximilian portrayed as a knight in full armor

St Martin's Cathedral.  This was the site of coronations in Bratislava

Not as ornate as many of the churches we have visited, but beautiful, none the less.

As you are walking along the Promenade, you encounter an offbeat bronze statue of a sewer worker resting at the top of a manhole, "peeping" at passersbys.

The Slovak National Theater also known as the Slovak National Opera House opened in 1886

Ganymede's Fountain

It depicts figures from ancient mythology: an eagle carries the young Ganymede to the top of Mount Olympus, on the order of the Goddess Dia, so that he can serve the Gods.