Medieval buildings might fill up the centre of Old Town Bratislava but further out, it is Soviet architecture that dominates the skyline. A visit to these former Communist buildings provides a riveting insight into the history of the city during the latter half of the 20th century. The distribution of these sights around the city also means a walking tour between them is a great way to start exploring off-the-beaten-track Bratislava.
The UFO and Nový Most, Bratislava Old Town
Looming over the Bratislava stretch of the River Danube, the Nový Most with the iconic UFO on a stick rising above it was constructed between 1967 and 1972 and, after refurbishment, is open once more. It's the main road bridge connecting north and south Bratislava, formerly known as the Bridge of the SNP (Soviet National Uprising). The flying saucer or UFO, formerly known as the Bystrica is attached to a pylon 85 metres above the bridge. The UFO restaurant can be found right at the top.
Petrzalka, the Archetypal Communist Housing Estate
On the other side of Nový Most from the Old Town, this colossal housing estate probably isn't a place to loiter too long in but is worth the trip just to appreciate the size and scale of Communist vision. Petrzalka seems to dwarf the rest of Bratislava. The towers (in Slovakian, "panelak") which define the borough today are a product of the 1970's. However, they are built on the site of a World War Two prison for Hungarian city residents, according to the SME.sk article "Occupation of Petrzalka by Nazi Germany" by Jaroslav Gustafik. Up until recently, Petrzalka was known as the Bronx of Bratislava, due to high crime rates.
Monument of Slovak Uprising
Unmissable in the centre of the city's Nam SNP square, this bronze monument remembers the anti-Nazi 1944 uprising in Slovakia but played a central part in the lead-up to the fall of Communism in 1989, when crowds of people convened here. It was also a gathering point for Slovakians in the events leading up to the Velvet Divorce (from the Czech Republic) in 1993.
Slavin Hill War Memorial
It is a pleasant walk up Slavin Hill to the War Memorial and some inspiring views of the city (showing the other Bratislava landmarks in all their glory). The memorial remembers several thousand Russian dead from World War Two. It's one of the best-preserved Soviet era monuments around and features an obelisk with a soldier on top waving a flag. There are two parts to the site: the cemetery and the monument itself.
Slovak Radio Building
One of the unmistakable buildings on the Bratislava cityscape is this upside-down pyramid, a focal point of Soviet broadcasting from 1985 until the Fall. The massive interior contains a concert hall.
Whilst all of these grey concrete monoliths may look preposterous in the Slovak Republic of today, they serve too as a constant, powerful reminder of a very different, and very recent era.
Luke Waterson - Author Luke Waterson writes, or has written, for various publications including Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, Moon Guidebooks and The ...
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