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.
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.
Stone gothic sign, which states that the tower was repaired by the city council and the population of Bratislava in 1758
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.
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
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Indrani 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 Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook to see the wonderful destinations, beautiful offbeat places and get instant updates about them.
Amazing pics
I love the perspective of this image and the sky leaping out between buildings. Nice shot Indrani!
Great shot!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Simply beautiful!
My Sky Watch, happy weekend!
Thank for you for your lovely comment on my photo, it made me smile and see it the way you did. Great photo of the street in Bratislava, made me want to make a visit to this town.
Love the perspective and the whole story around the place…
Off to google and read on the St Michael's Gate
Great photography Indrani.
Beautiful shot of the place.
Beautiful shot!
My entry is here.
the warrior angel never looked better than in your shot!
Aloha from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral
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You remind me that time is indeed relative. Beautiful image.
Very impressive capture of St Michael Church, framed from building to building photo. I like it.
Beautifully shot.
Beautifully framed shot.
Sydney – City and Suburbs
Up above the world, great post for skywatch…. Happy TGIF! Hoping you can visit my skywatch post.
Good picture Indrani
This is a beautiful gate, and you've captured it well at the end of the street leading to it.
Looks like you had a great day for looking at the beautiful architecture.
Wow….I've skimmed over your most recent blog posts and find each so very interesting and filled with culture that I, as an American, do not ever see. And I'm so grateful that you shared it all with us. I especially like the bronze sculpture [3rd post down today from your top post]
Elusive Butterfly of Love is my post for today. Thanks for stopping by on Wednesday for my Hodgepodge.
Nice street shot with a beautiful tower against the blue sky.
Lovely capture.
Beautiful tower, lovely skies and a fantastic capture as always, Indrani! And, as always, I do so appreciate the background/history that you provide! Thank you! Have a lovely weekend!
Sylvia