Restoration work on an important Gothic monument in Janko Kráľ Park, Petržalka, was carried out from September to December 2020. «The basic criteria for the restoration was to preserve the original, correct damage and inappropriate modifications. And to complete missing parts and details,» said Bratislava spokeswoman Katarína Rajčanová. Scaffolding and fencing has been removed to enable views of the restored treasure — a national cultural monument.

Originally a tower from a 15th century Franciscan church, it was removed due to damage during the 1897 earthquake. And replaced with a copy by architect Schulek. The original tower in an orchard as a garden pavilion.

In December, the Slovak National Museum (SNM) will open The Turned Face of Slovakia exhibition by Slovak documentary filmmaker and photographer Tomáš Hulík on Vajanského nábreží in Bratislava.

The Trianon 100 exhibition will open at Bratislava Castle on 11 December: The Birth of a New Border.

And SNM’s third highlight in December will be IN NOMINE CIVITATIS LEUTSCHA about notable figures. Opening on St. Nicholas Day (6 Dec) at Spiš Museum in Levoča. SNM Museum Communication Centre’s Zuzana Vášáryová informed TASR.

«Hulík’s photographs present Slovakia’s cultural and natural heritage after the socialist period,» said SNM General Director Branislav Panis. «The Historical Museum will feature the peace treaty’s signing after World War I, and the challenging process of integrating Slovakia into the new Czechoslovak state. In Levoča, we will present ten city figures with ten medallions and original objects that characterize their destiny, life, and activity.»

Many Bratislavans feared for the fire-damaged building’s fate – after the once beautiful historical structure was engulfed in flames. (during the Christmas market two years ago). While reconstruction of this national cultural monument on the Main Square continues, the damaged facade has already been returned to its former resplendent glory.

Did you know that it stands on the site of a notable building where Mary Habsburg had sought refuge? She had been the young widow of Hungarian King Louis II Jagelsky who had died in 1526 at the Battle of Mohács.

That Middle Ages Auer burgher family home was demolished in 1906 and replaced by the Art Nouveau bank palace (1911). Kooperativa insurance company is located here today. Mary Habsburg probably stayed in the Auer family home until she moved into the renovated royal mansion on Ventúrska Street. That house in the 17th century played an important role in the history of the Evangelicals, who were in dire straits. After the Turks had destroyed their prayer house, their services in 1683 were held at the house of Ernest Auer, who was an Evangelical Church inspector.

Splendid Café Štefánka – on the corner of Palisády and Štefánikova streets – dates to the beginning of the 20th century. i.e. the Hackenberg dynasty. Located in an 1897 Alexander Feigler building, in 1904 Béla I. Hackenberger became the tenant and operator of the original Mezey Café. He renamed it Café Štefánka — after the widow of heir to the throne Rudolf who committed suicide with his mistress. Café Štefánka was a cult meeting place for Bratislava’s writers, poets, artists, doctors, lawyers, and factory owners for many years.

Ján Smrek recited the verses of his immortal poem «Poet and Woman» to his friends in Café Štefánka, as well as other verses in its pleasant atmosphere… Sculptor Tibor Bártfay likened the café to Montparnasse in Paris. After 1948, Café Štefánka was nationalized and then managed by RaJ (Restaurants and Canteens). Café Štefánka‘s spiritual and architectural betrayal culminated in 1989 when the Old Town’s former management leased the building to a Chinese restaurant. Café Štefánka has now proudly returned to its original name and former fashionable monarchist spirit.

The popular Medical Garden in Bratislava’s Old Town will be revitalized in 2021. «This will be an example of cooperation between the municipality and key players in the Old Town New Com project. And supported by the Old Town Architect Weinwurm Fund,» said Mayor Zuzana Aufrichtová. She also pointed out that published pictures were not the garden’s future form, but rather its Baroque style in 1787. «We have a limited number of historical gardens in Bratislava. Children playing on the grass should know they are playing in a historical Baroque garden. Grassalkovich’s garden was also a pioneer for the socialist government in finding a positive relationship between Baroque and contemporary, and continued to be a popular natural retreat.» The garden’s future design will be decided by public opinion.

While Trnavske mýto market (originally a cattle trade) actually dates back to the late 19th century. A new market opened here in 1981 after the popular central market had made way for Istropolis and moved to Miletičova in the 1960s.

New Market — one of Bratislava’s most familiar buildings – is currently rather sadly down-at-heel with many empty units. While no costly redevelopments or reconstructions are planned. New food stalls should nevertheless open over the next six months with the interior suitably restyled. «We want to highlight the whole space by illuminating unique architectural components – such as highlighting the trademark ventilation pipes». observes Maroš Mačuha — organizer of the successful Street Food na Duláku events.

The aim is to make the place more attractive to customers by offering a quality range of fresh high-quality local farm produce. As well as a large selection of food and drink. After the renovation a large fruit & veg counter will welcome customers at the main entrance. And the site will include a large shop with a wide range of quality regional wines and bottled/draft craft beer. The food court — which will be the new market’s thriving centrepiece — will be located in the middle. Bordered by food outlets and seating areas.

The Church of the Holy Trinity’s post-reconstruction gleaming new white façade has surprised onlookers. Yet research reveals that this had been the original colour of Saint John of Matha Church.

The Church of the Holy Trinity (or simply the Trinity) is a unique city landmark — built by the Trinitarian trinity brothers in 1717, based on the Austrian Baroque architect Johan Lukas von Hildebrandt’s design for the Church of St. Peter in Vienna. Consecrated in 1725, interior adornments continued for a further seven years.

The Trinitarians were a religious order that ransomed Christians from Turkish captivity and were brought to Pressburg (Bratislava) by Leopold Kollonich — the Archbishop of Esztergom. The monastery was built with the help of palatine Count Mikuláš Pálffy and county judge Count Štefan Koháry. Consecrated in 1723, it was further embellished with artistic paintings by Unterhuber, Palko and Ján de Matta. Between 1690 and 1730, Trinitarians redeemed 2,043 Christians from Turkish slavery. By order of Emperor Joseph II, their monastery was closed and turned into a military hospital in 1785.

Having been a yellow-orange colour for many years, the church’s new white paint scheme is a real surprise for citizens.

Bratislava Old Town’s famous Kamenne Námestíe department store has reverted to its original name after many years: Prior. The revamped store will fully open at the end of September. «The 500-person capacity food court with 14 outlets is currently running at 80% capacity. And in just a month it will be fully operational,» said Žilina-based businessman and store owner George Trabelssie. He added that they aim to make the project very attractive to customers. «The Slovak cuisine is complemented by Portuguese, Indian, Vietnamese, Chinese, Iranian, Israeli, Middle East, and so much more.» The ground floor will showcase an exhibition about the original Prior, with memorabilia from the 1960s and ‘70s. The owner will respect the store’s façade and architectural distinction – such as travertine tiles and glockenspiel – which makes it one of the most distinctive buildings in Bratislava.

In September 2020, Eurovea 2 contractors began concreting the foundation slab for the first Slovak skyscraper. 45-floor and  168-high Eurovea Tower will include 389 residences and 1,400 parking spaces.

«The foundations were designed by a statics expert of course, yet we still independently checked the solution. Second structural engineer audited the design and proposed solution. To verify the soil properties as per the geological survey, we performed pile test. It showed the load-bearing capacity of the subsoil and the design’s correctness. Eurovea Tower will be completed mid-2023,» said JTRE’s Kaštan.

«The waterfront promenade will be greatly extended – from Lafranconi Bridge to Apollo,” observed Radoslav Grečmal from GFI architect studio, which prepared the design.

Goose gourmets’ favourite season is served from Saturday 5^th September! Goose chefs (husacinars) from Slovenský Grob (just outside Bratislava) are both locally and internationally renowned for their delicious centuries-old recipes for crispy roasted goose and irresistible potato pancakes. In fine autumnal weather enjoy eating in cosy atmospheric courtyards where you will be poured traditional ‘burčiak’ fermented grape must. Or excellent Small Carpathian regional red, white or rose wines – all of which excellently complement the cuisine.

We recommend visiting cosy Guild of Husacinárs family restaurants to fully enjoy the authentic homely goose feast experience. And what better way to follow lunch or dinner than a relaxing stroll around this picturesque viniculture village and a selfie with the village’s symbol – a goose statue in the main square. Bon appetite!

Today Bratislava saw the return of the 1913-built inter-city tram that had operated between Vienna and the Slovak capital from 1914 to 1945, and added to Bratislava’s unique character. When the route was decommissioned, the GANG Eg 5 locomotive was displayed at Mariazell Railway Museum in Austria, while the GANZ Eg 6 was put into «retirement» in excellent condition. However, the tram’s owner nevertheless decided to offer it for sale or even the crushing yard.

Happily, the scrap-destined old tram was rescued at a tune of almost EUR 10,000 — with a similar amount earmarked for full reconstruction. Following this loving care and attention from rail enthusiasts, the beautifully restored tram will once again be ready to grace Bratislava’s tram network for special commemorative trips.

The Slovak Ministry of Transport and Construction has launched the final vote to decide the name of the Danube’s new sixth bridge. Voters can select from Jarovský or Lužný bridge.

«The bridge’s name merits a wide and informed discussion. Now it’s the final decision, so let genuine voters decide and the best name win,» said the minister, Andrej Doležal. Discounted from previous rounds were various names. Mostly M. R. Štefánik Bridge, A. Dubček Bridge, Danube Bridge, and Spanish Bridge – with the latter’s votes excluded due to the questionable veracity of foreign-account voting.

The bridge will open to vehicles in in 2021 as part of the D4 bypass connecting the main bridge and eastern section of the Bratislava, Jarovce — Ivanka, north highway.

The final stage of Bratislava Castle’s renovation has uncovered a unique archeological find – an 11^th century wood-earth wall. Matej Ruttkay (director of the Archaeological Institute of the Slovak Academy of Sciences) and archaeologist Marián Samuel commented. The preserved timber wall is one of the best examples of such period’s fortifications in Central Europe.

They explained that the original castle probably burned down in the 11^th century. Fundamentally changing the area’s character and creating the castle hill relief still familiar to us today. The castle is thought to have stationed a military garrison, as well as that of Polish ruler Boleslav the Brave. He occupied the area for some time.

This oak timber wall is the first example of charred oak wood conservation in Slovakia. The research confirming the uniqueness of this strategic ridge above the Danube. The artefact could be restored by 2023 and exhibited to the general public in 2023.

Demolition of what remains of the Apollo 1 business centre on Bratislava Ružinov’s Plynárenská Street is almost complete. And the second building will soon be a thing of the past.

Issues with the business centre’s statics — possible due to overload — first came to light in 2015, following which the tenants were evacuated and the building closed.  Although reconstruction had initially been considered, the problem was found to be so advanced that demolition was the only option.

A new building will soon take shape on the site. «The heart of the new project will be an atrium with greenery and colonnade. This — together with an accessible, spacious and high-tech space, bike parking, and event lobby. — embraces the concept of active lifestyle, professional interaction, and inspiration,» explained Martina Jamrichová, HB Reavis Country Marketing & PR Manager.

The eagerly-anticipated architectural competition for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier project has been announced – following a delay due to COVID-19.

This project proposal was approved by the government in April 2019, with an allocated budget of EUR 820,000. The Ministry of Defence of the Slovak Republic, which submitted the proposal, stated that the project should represent Slovaks’ patriotism and heroism.

The completed design will feature one of Slovakia’s most iconic military symbols — the Blatnica sword held aloft. This Viking-era sword dating to the early ninth century is thought to have belonged to Slavic nobleman from today’s Blatnica village.

The ceremonial tomb will be located in the park near the Office of the Government of the Slovak Republic (Bratislava’s Old Town). I.e. alongside the noble statue of Second World War anti-fascist communist official Marek Čulen.

In just a few months, Bolt’s «green scooters» have replaced Slovnaft «yellow bikes» as the short-distance trip hit in Bratislava. Fun as these scooters are, some safety issues also need to be considered. Children or teenagers should only ride Bolt’s scooters after seeking permission from parents or from older siblings, or adult friends. And who also assume legal responsibility in the event of a collision, accident, or damage to the scooter. Here are some basic regulations for scooter riders:

— Road users must be minimum 15 years of age,  all other ages can use cycle paths, country lanes, residential areas.

— Scooters can be driven on the right side of pavements. And only at walking speed, and taking care not to endanger or inconvenience pedestrians.

— One scooter = one person.

Bratislava’s Slavín War Memorial (constructed 1960) is undergoing an extensive EUR 2 million reconstruction project with completion scheduled for 2022. Work on the first stage recently began on the stone plinth supporting the famous statue of a soldier. Slavín is the burial place of 6,845 Red Army soldiers.

«This project will also include establishing a new World War II exposition on Slavín. Such work will be based on study proposals and feasibility projects following the release of appropriate funds.» said Katarina Rajčanová, the city’s spokesperson. She added that the reconstruction will repair all problems with the main observation terrace, stairs, monument basement area. And all other wear and tear, as well as the comprehensive revitalization of Slavín’s extensive and popular green areas.

Following reconstruction, it is envisioned that the ceremonial room will be open a few hours daily. And it will be enable the visiting public to pay their solemn respects at this historical place of remembrance.

Bratislava has a wonderful attraction – a 30-metre high observational Ferris wheel on Vajanské nábrežíe in Bratislava’s Old Town. The city council approved its temporary construction as a much needed boost to local tourism during the corona crisis. And providing funds for local government as well. The vision for an observational ‘eye’ over Bratislava riverside was confirmed by a public opinion poll organised in March. “This Ferris wheel in the heart of the Old Town delivers attractive way to enjoy the city’s summer atmosphere. The subtle white wheel is sensitive to the surroundings, with pod windows affording splendid views of the city’s stunning landmarks». said the Old Town’s spokesperson Martina Štefániková to TASR news agency. One entry costs EUR 6.50, and it will be open from 4 July to 30 September 2020.

The Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Republic is planning to establish a Museum of the 20th Century. It will be as part of the Slovak National Museum — and the Nations Memory Institute (ÚPN) would like to be involved.

«The period in question is thematically and professionally part of Slovak history, which is ÚPN’s scope of activity. We are already collecting artifacts from former political prisoners, the Communist Party government, and the security service. Such materials could form the basis of the future museum,» said ÚPN spokesman Jerguš Sivoš.

He added that while the ÚPN is currently located in two leased premises, the government is committed to expanding the ÚPN’s remit and standing by integrating its activities into secondary school and university education. The Cabinet also supports raising awareness of Slovak history’s dark totalitarian periods. And honouring the memory of victims of Slovakia’s fascist and communist regimes.

It’s summer in the city and Bratislava has a new riverside beach!

Tyršák (after Miroslav Tyrš) sandy summer paradise is between Aréna Theater and the Old Bridge. You can find there a range of fun activities including a beach sports area for volleyball, tennis and football, and even a giant swing . The normally grassy area has been covered with 650 tons of white sand and 250 sunbeds for relaxation and sunbathing.

The tropical beach atmosphere is complemented by lots of exotic greenery as well as refreshing mist gates for cooling down on steaming summer days. A dedicated food zone has a beach bar, and Yeme, Marinela, Edokin, Al Trivio and NYC Corner concepts. All of them for perfect refreshments on long summer days and sultry evenings.

Cultural activities will include DJ-sets and live music performances, as well as a sand play area for kids and lots of fairground rides. Access to the beach, sun loungers and sports area is completely free and open until the end of September –fingers crossed for good weather!

Leading artists participated in the #ArtAtZero? ( #UmenieNaNule?) campaign during the recent months of enforced quarantine.It is sharing their creative output through online media.

The content will be showcased for posterity on the Kunsthalle Bratislava (KHB) website. PR manager Lila Rose informed the TASR press agency. The campaign aimed to support active contact between the artworld and fans through short artist videos, and the creation of self-standing art work.

Oto Hudec, Peter Rónai, Viliam Slaminka, Blažej Baláž, András Cséfalvay, Ján Triaška, Ivana Šáteková, Boris Sirka, Monika and Bohuš Kubinskí. Also Stano Masár, and Rudolf Sikora contributed to the reflective period and artistic archiving by sharing their work and opinions.

«This video series enables contemporary creators to remain in contact with art lovers, communicate their current work, and discuss potential perspectives of quarantined art,» observed KHB director Nina Vrbanová.

The stunning new 21 meter-high lookout tower on Devínská Kobyla – which began construction in April 2020 – is almost ready to welcome its first visitors. The lookout is located on the former army site where its predecessor stood. It will open as soon as the remaining level is completed.

The seven-story high has seven viewpoints – with the most awe-inspiring at the top of course. Visitors with a head for heights can look forward to views of the Alps and Vienna, as well as Nitra’s Zobor on clear days. The tower is accessible to everyone — walkers and cyclists. Devínská Nová Ves council — which commissioned the project – will run the tower as a free-entry attraction.

It will be closed in winter months.

The twentieth anniversary of Bratislava’s open-air Summer Shakespeare Festival is ready and raring to go! It is scheduled for 25 July to 12 August 2020 – despite the recent corona virus disruption. Due to it seating capacity for performances will be reduced.

The programme — held at atmospheric Bratislava Castle — will atypically start with a finale: Othello (directed by Michal Vajdička) on 24 July, concluding four performances in five years at the festival. «We will then continue with last year’s premiere of Romeo & Juliet (directed by Doda Gombár) from 30 July, and Comedy of Errors (Roman Polák) from 6 August.

We are also preparing a special Open Shakespeare concert project to commemorate this twentieth theatrical milestone,» adds event director Janka Zednikovičová. Keep up-to-date about news and updates at www.wshakespeare.sk and on social networks.

The Slovak National Theatre’s current Bratislava season prematurely ended on April 30. Since that time, the theatre management’s team has been preparing dramaturgical plans for the forthcoming 2020/2021 season. A detailed performance schedule from September when the first audiences should be welcomed back.

Until the end of June, the theatrical spaces will be utilised to rehearse productions that had been programmed in March just before premieres. The SND’s media spokesperson Izabela Pažitková highlighted that during this quarantine period, productions have instead successfully been shown on YouTube. And it was with high viewing numbers.

«We aim to return to live performances to live audiences as soon as possible. And in June, SND ensemble members will meet-and-greet fans at the square between the new SND building and Eurovea shopping centre,» Izabela concluded.

Bratislava Zoo in Mlynska Dolina celebrated its 60th anniversary on Saturday, 9 May 2020. The capital city’s zoo began to be constructed in 1959, opening the following year on 9 May.

From its very first decades the zoo enjoyed success, for example as one of the first in Europe to breed lynx. «The special breeding of antelopes, baboons, fallow deer and roe deer are especially noteworthy. We achieved outstanding successes with the first artificial breeding of spotted leopards and grazing hyenas in Czechoslovakia,” said a zoo spokesperson.

The zoo unveiled DinoPark in 2004, a unique Central European exposition of Mesozoic reptiles. There is also new enclosures for carnivores and primates.  In July 2014, the Farmstead (Sedliacky Dvor) section showcased a petting zoo.

The forest part opened a new enclosure for Eurasian wolves. A new enclosure and breeding facility for brown bears is also in the pipeline. As of the latest headcount in December 2019, Bratislava Zoo has 1290 creatures great and small comprising 183 species.

We’ve discovered an interesting and still relevant — even after 30 years — exhibition by Professor Ľuba Stacha. Its name is Svetlo a citlivá vrstva (Light & Sensitive Layer) at Pálffy Palace Bratislava City Gallery (GMB). It examines the period of social turbulence and cultural change after November 1989.

Exhibition visitors can see various forms of surface and spatial photography — both large-scale and the recording of moving sunlight onto the wall and floor. Exhibition curator Lucia L. Fišerová has also highlighted the photographer’s experimental approach, which is both visually-appealing and socially-engaging.

Also interesting is the video that documents the extraordinary events in Bratislava accompanied by the song Pravda víťazí (Truth Wins) by Tublatanka (a famous Slovak rock band). The exhibition continues until October 13 2019.

On May 10th 2019, the ice hockey world championship started in Bratislava and Košice – at stadiums as well as Fanzones. At the weekend we checked out the popular Fanzone.

It is in front of Istropolis in Bratislava which can welcome up to 9000 enthusiastic fans! Entry is free, and everything is available to relax, have a great time, and enjoy the hockey matches. The Fanzone is presented by a Fun Radio DJ. It comprises official partner sections as well as a stage and refreshment stands.

Younger fans can enjoy a VR simulator, hockey shoot-outs. Additional lots of great selfie-points with hockey players’ faces, as well as face painting and team stickers. We had a really great time!