a day in the youngest capital of Europe

He Danubewhich has a bad habit of dividing the cities it runs almost in the middle, just cuts its way through a gorge in the Carpathians, just a few kilometers from a key border crossing: Slovakia, Austria and Hungary.

In that crevice the today settled Bratislava, located in the extreme southeast of Slovakia. A capital that balcony overlooking the famous riverwith antecedents of the Austro-Hungarian Empirea historic center which includes a castle and a totally modern area, which the Danube itself left on the southern bank. It is just 56 kilometers from Vienna, 200 from Budapest and just over 300 from Prague.

Beyond the youth of its current political configuration, a product of its separation from what is now Czechia (then Czechoslovakia) in 1993, archaeological antecedents confirm that Its occupation dates back to prehistoryalthough later it was under Celtic and Roman rule.

Finally, in the 8th century, it was inhabited by Slavs. And under the control of the Turks, was the hungarian capital from 1526 to 1784.

Its architectural emblem is the huge castle Mounted on the hill that allows you to see everything around it and which was the residence of the Austrian royal family until a fire destroyed it in 1811. Now restored (a task that was completed only in 1968), it is one of the biggest attractions of this city on a human scale, with serene and friendly inhabitants, who walk the streets with the calm of a tourist.

The best place to start the tour is old town. Although many regions of Slovakia were destroyed in the communist era after the Second World War, this center has remained almost no changes. This perspective is simply perceived when traveling, of course, on foot.

There, where the Bratislava Castle is perched on a hill, you can drive along the small side slopes, with different circuits than the locals. used as a park. It is common to see children going up and down the steps of the trails. Behind, the houses built on the lands that belonged to the plebs, today border the street that surrounds the wall.

The first mention of the castle in writing dates back to the year 907. Today, it is home to the Slovak National Museum and the official residence of the president.

The views from its esplanade are fantastic; projection from there allows obtaining a almost complete view of the old town and a clear window into the city’s most modern area, including its UFO Bridge, also known as Nuevo or Most SNP.

In addition to the photogenic images, on the bridge there is a UFO observation deck and restaurantwhich in addition to good gastronomy (don’t miss the option of duck confit with pastrami and madeira, or the cheese bags for dessert), offers an incredible view of three countries: Hungary, Austria and Slovakia.

About a 15-minute walk away is another emblematic building of the city: the blue church, on Bezruova Street. Originally built as a temple for a secondary school campus, it is dedicated to Saint Elizabeth of Hungary.

The opening hours are erratic, but the entrance is crossed by a door that allows you to see the interior. The Byzantine double cross that crowns its tower today forms part of the national coat of arms of Slovakia.

The St. Martin’s Cathedral, meanwhile, is a perfect Gothic expression. Its bell tower (which can be visited) is the tallest in the city, and its ringing can be heard every hour. Interior art includes frescoes and mosaics dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. Among its relics is the crown of King Władysław I of Slovakia. There, in addition, eleven Hungarian kings and eight queens were crowned.

Miguel’s Gate is the only one that has been preserved from medieval fortifications. It was built in the year 1300. Today you can see baroque overlays. In its dome is the Weapons Exhibition of the Bratislava City Museum.

Outside, on the same street that contains the tower, is the most area trends from the historical part. The stores of international luxury brands follow one another and it is full of bars and restaurants where to enjoy local cuisine. Must-try dishes (very friendly to the Argentine palate) include sheep’s cheese gnocchi, cabbage soup, Bratislava roll (poppy seed puff pastry), and fried cheese.

The photo that all visitors take with them is taken on the corner of Panská and Laurinská streets, where a statue representing Čumil, the man at work. There are debates regarding its meaning. Some indicate that he is taking a break from his work, others suggest that he is spying up ladies’ skirts.

Tradition indicates that You should rub your head and make three wishes. But beware! Scratching afterwards can cause pregnancy.

He Old Market Hall It houses a farmers market in a historic building that dates back to 1910. The venue offers food markets and cultural events. Food markets take place every Saturday, from 10am to 3pm. One night a month there is a food truck meetingthe ideal time and place for social life.