Monday, October 17, 2022

Bratislava Castle

The castle and its predecessors have about as long and convoluted history as any I know: neolithic settlements, Celtic hillfort, Roman fortress, on into the middle ages and beyond, when the present structure was built and then endlessly enlarged and strengthened. It stands at the crossroads of two of the most historically important human travel routes: the east/west Danube, all the way from Germany to the Black Sea, and the north/south Amber route, from the Baltic to the Adriatic. Thus it has always been contested ground, withstanding Mongols and Turks and many others, with a history to match. When the Hapsburgs took over, and particularly with Empress Maria Theresa, it became more of a palace and royal residence than a fortress.  

Our estimable guide (Rickie Stevie) recommended climbing the hill to the castle for the views, but not for a tour of the castle/palace itself. We followed his recommendation, as we generally do, although, in our cases, it was very nearly a case of a castle too far. After taking in the views, we descended back to the town, had a nice pizza dinner, and then proceeded, already weary and pressed for time, to the Blue Church, across the Old Town. 
Beginning the climb, the cathedral there to the left, newer Bratislava
in the distance

Old and new

Danube

Cathedral spire

With its replica of the Hungarian crown atop

Looking across the Danube to the miles after miles of apartment
blocks



Capital buildings atop the hill

Helpful maps


Finally, a fuller view of the castle

Artsy shot of entry gates

Hi-Yo, Silver!

Oil refineries...a major target of the USAAF, June 18, 1944

TV tower; I love these juxtapositions




1 comment:

Tawana said...

Interesting photos and information. I know nothing about Bratislava.