A panorama taken from the viewing balcony outside Bratislava Castle. The castle sits on a commanding position on a hill by the Danube, and from here there are amazing panoramic views over Bratislava and the surrounding countryside.

Bratislava virtual tour with a 360° panorama of 'Bratislava Castle' linked to a Google map. A Bratislava attractions travel guide.

Bratislava Castle sits on the top of Little Carpathians (Malé Karpaty), a hill just west of the Old Town of Bratislava. It is referred to as 'Bratislavský hrad' in Slovak, 'Pressburger Schloss' in German and 'Pozsonyi Vár' in Hungarian. Situated on the top of the most prominent hill in Bratislava, the castle has a truly commanding view over the whole city. From here it is possible to see along the River Danube into Austria and, on a good day, as far as Hungary.

History of fortifications on this hill is as old as the history of Bratislava itself, with settlements on the hill dating back to 3500BC. Evidence of occupation by almost every groups of peoples and rulers in Europe since that time can be found here. The first written evidence of a castle here dates from 907AD. In 1811 the castle burned to the ground, and was not rebuilt until 1953 when, during the communist era, it served as the Bratislava quarters of the Czechoslovak president and for official functions of the Slovak National Council (parliament).

Today, Bratislava Castle has become a major tourist attraction in the city. Much of the castle has been converted into museums, which house some collections of the Slovak National Museum - notably the archaeological exhibition Treasures of Slovakia's Long-Gone Past, the Silver Treasure and several historical exhibitions (history, furniture, clocks) and a music exhibition. The museum is open daily except Mondays, from 9 am to 5 pm. Visitors can also ascend one of the towers to get an amazing view through the small windows.

Bratislava Castle (Bratislavský hrad) Zamocka ul. Bratislava

Foot: Walk up Beblaveho street from the Old Town or from Mudronova street by the Slovak Parliament building up at the hill.