St. Michael’s Tower – Last Preserved Gate of Bratislava

St Michael’s tower is the oldest standing building of Bratislava. Plan a walking tour in old town of Bratislava and you are bound to cross the tower and even go under it. You will never miss it. It is the most conspicuous landmark of Bratislava.

Of the four gates of medieval Bratislava, only one gate survived the ravages of time. It is the St. Michael’s gate that was built in 1300. The gate was later renovated in 1758.  During this phase of renovation St. Michael‘s statue was placed in the top of the tower that marked the height of the tower at 51m. The gate thus got its name.

Michalská Street in Bratislava

St. Michael’s Tower - the clock

St. Michael’s Tower in Bratislava – the clock

Copper spire of the tower, now green, dates back to the 18th century while the lower part is from the 13th century. The Old Town square by this tower has some of the most expensive cafes in the country.

7 Floors of Michael’s Tower

St. Michael’s gate has 7 floors. It houses a museum of medieval fortification of Bratislava and arms. Museum exhibits cover the town’s fortification beginnings, reconstructions and their final destruction in the 18th century.  The fortified walls were destroyed as they were preventing the city’s growth.

The weapons museum has displays on each floor. Ancient ones are in the bottom going to modern weapons at the top.

On the 6th floor there is a balcony. Tourists crowd around here for the views of the Old City, the Castle, and surrounding areas.

the Last Preserved Gate of Bratislava Slovakia

Stone Gothic sign on Michael's Tower

Stone gothic sign, which states that the tower was repaired by the city council and the population of Bratislava in 1758

Street right under the tower

Right under Michael’s tower gate of Bratislava there is a golden circle, known as kilometer zero. It illustrates the distances from Bratislava to 29 other capital cities.

Michael’s Tower Bratislava -Interesting Facts

  • The other 3 gates that were demolished were: Laurinc Gate, Vydrica Gate, and Fishermen’s Gate.
  • Popular legend about this tower is that if you speak while walking under the gate, you won’t get married. Those unmarried and hoping to get married please note.
  • Do see the golden circle, known as kilometer zero
  • Check out Baštová Street  as you exit as it is considered to be the thinnest and most romantic street in Bratislava.
  • You can also walk up to Bratislava castle through this street.
  • You will find the best markets of Bratislava along this street.
St. Michael’s Gate - the Last Preserved Gate of Bratislava

Michael’s Gate of Bratislava

Tickets and timings

Closed on Mondays. Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday 10 AM to 5 PM and Sat and Sun 11 AM to 6 PM.

Bratislava interesting sights

UFO Tower Bratislava

Quirky Bronze statues

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st michaels tower bratislava

About Indrani GhoseIndrani Ghose is an Indian Travel Writer and Blogger based in Bangalore, India. She has written for numerous publications across the globe – including Lonely Planet, The National UAE, Whetstone Asia, Deccan Herald. You can follow her on her social media handles InstagramTwitterPinterest and Facebook to see the wonderful destinations, beautiful offbeat places and get instant updates about them.

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