the best of the bratislava region

Transcription

1 the best of the bratislava region NAJ_ENG_final.indd 1 1/10/08 2:17:29 PM

2 The Best of... the Bratislava region Introduces all those who are interested to the most outstanding, remarkable, most extraordinary qualities of the Bratislava region which we pass by just about every day without taking notice or being aware of their existence... the following pages will attract your attention to make you learn more. The best of Bratislava, the capital of the Slovak Republic The most frequently photographed curiosity, bringing a smile to your face, is the bronze statue of Čumil, a curious man with a good-natured smile, emerging from a man-hole to observe the people; the statue has become unexpectedly popular with tourists and visitors. The statue is sited in the historical centre at the intersection of Rybárska (Fisherman) Gate with Panská and Laurinská streets and is a masterwork by Viktor Hulík. A unique guided tour by Prešporáčik, an original carriage resembling a train, will take you on a tour through the historical parts of Bratislava, with a guided account given in foreign languages. The oldest of the castles is Devín Castle, situated in picturesque surroundings at the confl uence of the Danube and Morava rivers in the part of the city called Devín. This site was occupied as early as the Late Stone Age. Due to the strategically important location of the castle hill, it served as a Celtic and Roman military centre. The fi rst written record relating to the site dates back to 864. After the end of the Great Moravian Empire it became a border stronghold during the period of the Hungarian Empire. Prior to the 13th century, a stone castle was constructed on the hill. Between the 15th and 16th centuries, it was rebuilt as a fort in the Gothic-Renaissance style which was destroyed by Napoleon s army in From 1973 extensive archaeological research and preservation works have been carried out at the castle. The castle is a listed national heritage site and the greater part of it is open to the public. The dominant feature of the city Bratislava Castle can, due to its location, be seen from all corners of Bratislava which makes it a constant feature of the city panorama. The fi rst record of the castle dates from 906. In the 13th century the fortifi ed earthworks were transformed into a stone castle and it was completed as a modern fort in the 15th century. The castle became a royal residence in the 16th century and was destroyed by fi re in the 19th century. The castle was reconstructed in 1953 when it acquired its current appearance. Currently, the castle serves as a ceremonial seat of the President of the SR and as a centre for museum and exhibition activities. NAJ_ENG_final.indd 2 1/10/08 2:17:40 PM

3 A church with a most glorious history - St. Martin s Cathedral, which witnessed the coronations of ten Hungarian kings, one queen and eight royal consorts over the period from 1563 to Bratislava a took on the position of the political and cultural centre e of that part of the Hungarian kingdom which was not occupied by the Turks. In 1995 Pope John Paul II celebrated mass here and in the same year the cathedral was promoted as con-cathedral. This church with its highest tower of 85 metres topped by a 2 m square gilded cushion with a replica of the Hungarian royal crown is a dominant feature of Bratislava. A statue of St. Martin located in the aisle of the church, the work of Georg Raphael Donner dating from 1734, is the first monumental work of Central European plastic art created from lead. The statue depicts Saint Martin mounted on a rearing horse as he leans down to a beggar and cuts his cloak to share it with the beggar. A church with an atypical tower is the Church of the Poor Clares erected in the 14th century. In accordance with the rules of the Order, the church had to be without a tower so the Clare nuns had the tower built on the encircling wall. This tower is one of just three five-sided towers to be found in Europe. The oldest consecrated church in the Gothic style in Slovakia is the Franciscan church which was consecrated in 1297 in the presence of King Ondrej II. The encircling walls date from the 13th century and a small tower was built in the 14th century; in the 19th century this was taken down and located as a pavilion in Janko Kráľs Orchard in Petržalka. The current tower is a replica of the original. The oldest bridge is the stone Michael s Bridge constructed over the moat outside the municipal walls in It leads to Michael s Gate which is the only surviving gate of the system of mediaeval fortifications. Its Gothic foundations were laid in the 14th century; in the 16th century the gate was enlarged and in the 18th century it was reconstructed to take on its current Baroque appearance. At present, the tower houses the Museum of Weapons and Municipal Fortifi cations System. The gallery of the tower provides a spectacular view over the Old Town. The so-called zero kilometre is located under Michael s Gate and shows the distances between 29 of the world s capitals and Bratislava. The most spectacular palace is the Presidential (Grassalkovich) Palace located on Hodžovo Square and is the residence of the President of the Slovak Republic. It was constructed in the Late Baroque style in the 18th century and is decorated with a beautiful grand staircase, ceremonial hall with and an extensive park. The palace was built in 1760 after a design by A. Mayerhorfer for Count Grassalkovich, the chief of the Hungarian Royal Chamber. NAJ_ENG_final.indd 3 1/10/08 2:17:55 PM

4 One of the most splendid palaces in the Classicist style in Slovakia with a rich history and unique artefacts the Primate s Palace located on Primate s Square. In 1805, the so-called Treaty of Pressburg (Bratislava) between Napoleon and František I was signed in its Mirror Hall. This hall is the most ceremonial place in the Palace which is lit in an original manner by means of mirrors on its walls. The unique most complete series of Gobelin wall-tapestries was discovered during the reconstruction of the Primate s Palace at the beginning of the 20th century. The tapestries, which depict a poem from an ancient Greek myth about the love of Hero and Leander, were woven in the English royal workshops in Mortlake near London in the 17th century. A unique iron cardinal s hat 180 cm in diameter weighing 150 kg on the top of the tympanum originates from the period when the Palace served as the seat of the Archbishop from Ostrihom. The oldest public well in Slovakia is Maximilian Roland s Fountain which still today adorns the Hlavné (Main) Square. On the occasion of the coronation of Maximilian II, which was the fi rst coronation ceremony held in Bratislava, a fi re broke out in Bratislava; as a consequence, the emperor ordered a water reservoir to be built for cases like this. It was constructed in The best - surviving heritage site of Roman architecture is Gerulata, located in the part of the city called Rusovce. Gerulata is the name of a military troop which was based here from the 1st to the 4th centuries. Remains of stone buildings, tombstones and items of personal daily use have survived at this site and provide an open air exhibition. The first horse-drawn railway in the Hungarian Kingdom, which connected Bratislava with Svätý Jur from 1840, served the public for almost 26 years. In Bratislava the part of the city called Nové Mesto (at the junction of Karadžičova and Krížna streets) the oldest station of a horsedrawn railway in Europe and one of the oldest surviving railway station buildings in the world has survived. NAJ_ENG_final.indd 4 1/10/08 2:18:09 PM

5 The tallest statue situated on the highest site is the statue of Victory by Alexander Trizuljak erected in the military cemetery of Slavín, the burial place of 6845 soldiers of the Soviet Army who died in World War II in the course of the liberation of Bratislava. The bronze statue, which is 11 metres high, 12.6 m respectively including its base, stands on a 28 metre high plinth and weighs 14.5 tonnes. The statue was unveiled in 1960 with ceremonial honours and is one of the dominant features of the city. The unique underground historical cemetery with the tomb of an important Jewish rabbi Chatam Sófer who lived and worked in Bratislava from 1806 to 1839 is situated at the other end of the tunnel leading to the bank of the Danube. The highest TV tower on Kamzík hill is 200 m high and its rotating restaurant offers a spectacular view of Bratislava and its surroundings. The Fountain of Friendship on Námestie Slobody (Square of Freedom) is the biggest fountain. Its core of stainless steel forms the shape of a lime fl ower, the symbol of the Slavs. The fl ower has a diameter of 9 metres, it weighs 12 tonnes and has a volume of 2,000 m 3. The first flight by helicopter occurred on the site of the current Square of Freedom in A Slovak inventor, Ján Bahýľ, took to the air in a helicopter, the fi rst man in the world to do so. This fl ight was recorded by the International Aviation Organisation. The first asymmetrical suspension bridge New Bridge over the Danube - was put into operation in The bridge is 432 metres long and, in respect of its shape and length, it is a unique pylon bridge in Europe and only the second of its kind in the world. A UFO-shaped bar is constructed on the top of the bridge at the height of 86 m, providing a splendid view over the city. Due to its unique structure, in 2001 the bridge was declared construction of the year in Slovakia. A unique pharmacy the Red Crayfi sh Pharmacy - which is housed in the 18th century Baroque building next to Michael s Gate - represents a unique object in the richness of its collection and the completeness of the equipment of historical original pharmacies in the whole of Europe. NAJ_ENG_final.indd 5 1/10/08 2:18:14 PM

6 A world first - the Apollo bridge - was constructed in 2005 in a unique fashion; the structure, more than 500 metres in length, was assembled on the bank of the river and subsequently the whole structure was moved into place with the aid of cranes and ships which was a world fi rst for use of this technology. Another unique feature of the bridge is the fact that not one of its parts forms a right angle, nor is the bridge perpendicular to the Danube banks. The bridge was awarded the OPAL Awards in the USA in The unique museum is situated in the House of the Good Shepherd on Židovská street which attracts attention not only for its 18th century burgher architecture with the Rococo decoration of its façade but especially for its display of historical clocks. The biggest gallery is the Slovak National Gallery which has been housed in the former water barracks on the bank of the Danube from The Gallery accommodates the largest collections of Slovak fi ne arts from the 13th to the 20th centuries and art works of some important European artists. From 2007, the most important venues for Slovak drama, opera and ballet are the Slovak National Theatre a newly constructed building on Pribinova street and the historical building of the Slovak National Theatre. The new SND building has three auditoria with a combined capacity for more than 1,700 visitors, the opera and ballet theatres have a capacity of 901 seats, the theatre for stage-plays has 638 seats, and the drama studio has 192 seats. The SND historical building in the Neo-Renaissance style was constructed in 1886 and underwent reconstruction in the 20th century. The high quality performances given in this theatre are enhanced with its impressive interior, part of which includes a unique chandelier comprising 2,532 light bulbs capable of operating in a theoretical 22 million lighting combinations. NAJ_ENG_final.indd 6 1/10/08 2:18:26 PM

7 The first university within the territory of present-day Slovakia is Academia Istropolitana founded by King Matheus I Corvinus in It can be found on Ventúrska street and it currently houses the University of Performing Arts. The largest water reservoir Hrušov a part of the Gabčíkovo water scheme with an overall surface area of 60.2 km² and a volume of 234 mill. m³ extends into the Danube basin region in Slovakia. Close to the reservoir is one of the most challenging white-water slalom courses in the world which is situated in the Water Sports Arena which was built as part of the Gabčíkovo water scheme in the village of Čunovo. The concept and equipment of the Arena meet the criteria for sports stadiums at world level and also meet the Olympic criteria. Alongside the water scheme and the Danube also runs the most popular cycle-path the International Danube Path which goes through Gabčíkovo-Komárno-Štúrovo; at 168 km, the Slovak stretch starts at the border crossing Petržalka - Berg, continues towards Čunovo to the border crossing at Rajka into Hungary, to Prístavný bridge, resp. along the true-left bank of the Danube towards Šamorín - Gabčíkovo water scheme - to Štúrovo. The most complex nature reserve is the Devínska Kobyla National Nature Reserve, a natural complex of a part of the Small Carpathians with exceptional botanical, zoological, geological and paleontological values. The richest site for marine fauna is Sandberg. Currently, the area is covered with sea sand but 14 to 16 million years ago it was submerged under the sea; the remains of more than 250 species of sea creatures have been found at this site. The oldest public park in Central Europe is Janko Kráľ s Orchard which was established on the Petržalka island by the municipal authority in Gradually, the park acquired the character of an orchard, it was cultivated and exotic trees were planted; the tower of the Franciscan church was installed here, summer theatre and cafés started operating and also memorial sites were created. A unique entertainment park - Dinopark in the ZOO in Bratislava represents scenes from the life of animals in the Mesozoic era. The first bobsleigh run is on Kráľova meadow below Kamzík hill, which was opened to the public in It is 360 m long with a height interval of 41 m. NAJ_ENG_final.indd 7 1/10/08 2:18:37 PM

8 The best of... the Záhorie region The western-most village in the territory of Slovakia is Záhorská Ves. It is possible to cross the border by ferry across the Morava and get to neighbouring Austria. The oldest Marian pilgrimage site in Slovakia is Marianka which is situated on the international pilgrimage route Mariazell Czenstochowa. The national heritage site comprises fi fteen buildings of national cultural heritage the pilgrimage church of the Birth of the Virgin Mary dating from 1377 with a monastery from the 16th century (rebuilt in the 19th century as a chateau), a miracleperforming spring, chapels and stations of the cross. By religious tradition a Marian pilgrimage is organised here in September. The unique buildings by Habáns in Veľké Leváre are among the oldest heritage reserves of folk architecture in Slovakia and one of the most extensive complexes of Habán houses in Europe - 22 original multi-storey buildings from the 17th to the 19th centuries of the so-called newly-baptised who came to Veľké Leváre from Switzerland in the 16th century. In 2006, the museum of a unique collection of Habán ceramics faience - was established in Iszen s house. Among the most important castle ruins in this region is Pajštún Castle dating from the 13th century on a limestone crag towering above the village of Borinka. Currently, the ruins are a popular venue for hikers and trippers. The plateau on the top provides a spectacular view not only over the Záhorská lowlands but, in suitable weather conditions, even the ridges of the Alps in Austria can be seen from here. The western-most protected nature reserve the Morava Floodplain which is a part of Záhorie is on the list of internationally signifi cant fl oodplain habitats according to the Ramsar Convention; this is the region with the most significant accumulation of wind-blown sand in Central Europe. Educational trail along the Morava Floodplain currently, this is the longest educational trail in the whole of Slovakia with an overall length of 79 km with 39 information boards. Much of it is in the Bratislava region. The educational trail links the capital - Bratislava - with the Záhorie region and ends at the border crossing with Austria near the village of Hohenau. Part of this path is also a cycle-path. NAJ_ENG_final.indd 8 1/10/08 2:18:46 PM

9 The best of... the Slovak Danube basin region The most important and popular summer resort in the Bratislava region Senec Slnečné jazerá (Sunny Lakes) spreading over 116 ha with aquapark, a variety of events, pleasant atmosphere these are attractions for summer holidays, sports events and relaxation. The first golf course in Slovakia in Bernolákovo Golf & Country Club Bratislava - Bernolákovo, in an English-style park surrounding the 18th century chateau. A unique museum a Bee Open-Air Museum and Museum of Bee-keeping in Kráľová pri Senci displays historical bee-hives, bee-keeping baskets and equipment from the 17th century, box-shaped bee-hives from the 18th century. Relief and fi gurative bee-hives form a special display. The southern-most protected area is CHKO Dunajské luhy (Protected Area: Danube Floodplains) an area with an extensive system of branches of the Danube with the occurrence of meadow, marshland and woodland communities including protected and endangered species of animals and plants; the area is included in the list of fl oodplains of international importance Ramsar Convention. The best-preserved stone bridge the bridge in Kráľová pri Senci an arched road-bridge in the Baroque style over the Čierna voda (Black Water) river is a national cultural heritage site; it was built from stone in the 17th century and some constructional changes were made in the 19th century. NAJ_ENG_final.indd 9 1/10/08 2:19:09 PM

10 The best of... the Small Carpathians region The most important vine-growing region - the Small Carpathians vine-growing region, represented by the Small Carpathians wine route which passes through a network of former royal towns - Bratislava, Svätý Jur, Pezinok, Modra and many other Small Carpathians villages and towns. They preserve the tradition of vine-growing, viticulture, folk, typical features of vignerons houses and culinary specialities. The history of vine-growing and viticulture is documented in the collections of the Small Carpathians Museum in Pezinok; the village of Slovenský Grob offers traditional goose specialities and the town of Modra is famous for its production of Modra majolica. A popular event the Days of Open Wine Cellars gives access to cellars along the Small Carpathians wine route to introduce their visitors to the high-quality local wines and traditions. A castle with the most extensive underground cellars, the oldest pharmacy dating from 1649 and the most extensive collection of historical furniture is Červený Kameň Castle (Red Stone Castle) dating from the 13th century in the village of Častá. The castle is unique in Central Europe due to its architecture and exceptional complex of monumental underground cellars. It accommodates a permanent exhibition of furniture, weapons, gallery, Salla terena (one of the most beautiful rooms where theatrical performances were given in the 19th century) a masterpiece unique in its kind, a park, numerous performances and the largest collection of predators in Slovakia. NAJ_ENG_final.indd 10 1/10/08 2:19:23 PM

11 The biggest stream-powered water-mill is Schaubmar s mill in Pezinok Cajla, one of the biggest in Europe; it is a cultural technical heritage site from the 18th century. The original milling techniques and machinery from 1913 are installed in the mill. The first and only gallery of its kind in Slovakia Gallery of naïve painting in Pezinok is displayed in Schaubmar s mill originating from A unique nature reserve Šúr national nature reserve in the area of the villages of Svätý Jur and Chorvátsky Grob is a locality with rare species of fl ora and fauna; as one of the fi rst of three sites in Slovakia, it was added in 1990 to the list of internationally important fl oodplains according to the Ramsar Convention. The current protected area stretches over 991 ha including the protection zone. The reserve is also included in a compact European system of protected areas NATURA 2000 and it is partially accessible to the public via an educational trail. The greatest number of national cultural heritage features associated with Ľudovít Štúr (a leading personality in the national emancipation process in the 19th century and the codifi er of the standard Slovak language) can be found in Modra and its surroundings a memorial house, museum, plaque, grave, monument, Štúr s bench a memorial site in the Holombecká valley,... NAJ_ENG_final.indd 11 1/10/08 2:19:40 PM

12 BRATISLAVSKÝ SAMOSPRÁVNY KRAJ Division for Tourism Sabinovská ul. č. 16, Bratislava 25 SLOVAK REPUBLIC NAJ_ENG_final.indd 12 1/10/08 2:19:46 PM