MORE BRATISLAVA

 24th Jun 2025

Bratislava Castle, overlooking the Danube, on a hill west of the Old Town

Left: We boarded this 'Noddy Train' to take us up to the Castle. The two carriages were full (two of our groups). Off we chugged up the hill with a lady guide giving constant commentary on all the buildings we passed. We had only gone a short distance when the train seemed to run out of puff and ground to a halt. After much re-starting and revving up it continued, rather slowly and reluctantly. I was beginning to wonder if we would make it! 

We did eventually and parked outside the castle walls near this building (right). I think it is the Slovak Parliament building.

Left: .....with the Slovak national flag flying outside it.

Right: The entrance to the castle complex. 

Left: Our very informative guide describing the castle layout.

A (stone built) castle of sorts has been on this strategically important hill since the 10th century. It was the royal residence of the Habsburg Empress Maria Theresa in the 18th century. It burnt down in 1811 and was left in ruins until a rebuild was started in 1953. It had undergone many rebuilds and alterations over the centuries, the last massive and expensive reconstruction was  carried out between 2008-2014. 

As with everything in this part of the world it has a long and complicated history!

Right: The main entrance to the castle itself. It now houses museums, the Crown Jewels, a concert hall, rooms for Parliament to meet, and a venue for official state events and functions.

Left: The equestrian statue seen above. This is of 'Svatopluk the Great' (840-894), an esteemed ruler of Great Moravia (871-894). Well, you've heard of him now!

Right: A view from the castle wall to the south over the river towards the 'new' town. The suspension bridge has a tower at the southern end with a lift that takes you up to the viewing gallery which has a 'glass' floor (like that tower in Toronto), plus a restaurant. We did not get the chance to go up it!

Left: In the area to the front of the castle is this odd looking 'monument'. It depicts three Saints; Cyril, Methodius and Gorazd. No, I hadn't heard of them before either! They seem to have very long necks.

Right: Behind the castle are these rather immaculate gardens.

We were left with 30 mins to wander the area, then back to the Noddy Train and the return journey to the docks. The train seemed to appreciate the downhill journey.

Left: Poor photo taken on the move at the bottom of the hill. It is the Presidential Palace (Peter Pellegrini is he) with the flag flying which indicated he was at home.

Right: A much better pic of the Presidential Palace......sent to me by my ever attentive 'advisers' at OMPITA.

On return to the docks we had 45 mins free time before back on the ship at 1.00pm. It was very warm. I went for another ice-cream, a glass of beer and wrote and posted a post-card (which arrived in UK before ones I posted previously in Vienna).

After the usual gargantuan meals (late lunch, afternoon tea and Dinner) we were assemble in the lounge for another 'trivial' quiz on dance music. This involved a team identifying the type of dance music played by the very talented guitar and keyboard duo. The team that got it right had then to come up and perform the dance. Our little team kept our mouths firmly closed.

So, that was (a bit of) Bratislava and at some point we set sail again....onwards west to Austria and the town of Linz.