Silver screen on Bratislava castle evenings

The restoration of the castle’s amphitheatre began in 1947, led by national committee volunteers. Two years later, mayor Dr. Anton Vasek ceremoniously opened this 2000-capacity cultural area. Situated on the northern terrace of Bratislava Castle, this amphitheatre represented the first such general public use of the castle area for over a century.

In 2007, Bratislava News published Julo Satinský’s recollections: "From 1950 at the castle amphitheatre we saw Fanfán Tulipán, The Fall of Berlin and We Danced One Summer... Vaudeville programmes were also held on a large stage in front of the screen…where I even saw the famous actor Vlasta Burian.

At that time televisions were scarce, so for entertainment people headed up to castle hill. Great evenings!" He also pondered whether "…tomorrow’s Bratislavans will continue to enjoy a starlit castle hill on summer evenings?” In 1960, the amphitheatre hosted the 11th Workers’ Film Festival, which was attended by international and domestic cinematic professionals. A Maria Theresa-era baroque garden based on the 1809 original now stands in this place.