In the foothills of the Carpathians, on the banks of the Danube, in a stunningly beautiful place, Bratislava is located, one of the oldest cities in Europe. Ruins of Devin Castle, Bratislava Castle, towers, palaces, bridges, Danube, Carpathian Mountains - all this creates its unique aura. Bratislava is worth celebrating Christmas there, wandering along the old streets, feeling medieval romance, admiring the tiled roofs and towers of the Old Town from Bratislava Castle, and looking in awe into the 80-meter depth of the legendary well in its center. Pay tribute to the Istropolitan University, the oldest in Slovakia, within whose walls noble men from different European cities worked. See the Franciscan Church, and the blue Church of St. Elizabeth. And in the narrow streets of the Old City, admire the lacy balconies of houses, graceful lanterns, as if stuck into their walls, original signs. And the amazing monuments to the citizens of the city - a plumber, a photographer, a chimney sweep and other humble workers will not leave anyone indifferent.
Still worth a visit:
- The old town hall
- Church of the Holy Spirit
- Restaurant in the form of a flying saucer on top of the pylon of the New Bridge
And from the observation deck of the TV Tower on Kamzik Hill, see Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic
Trade fairs
In ancient times, trade routes between the Adriatic and the Baltic passed through Bratislava, the population was multinational, trade contributed to the prosperity of the city and its fairs were famous.
Christmas markets in Bratislava begin in the 20th of November and take place on the Main, Franciscan and Hvedoslavova squares. In the fairgrounds you can buy gifts for every taste to all your friends and family. The choice is huge. And the temptation is also enormous. Here you can find leather, wood, glass, ceramics, things knitted by Slovak needlewomen, beautiful embroidery. There are souvenirs made from very unusual materials, for example, from corn leaves or wax.
Fairs in Bratislava are also famous as the most delicious and warmest. On them you feel like a welcome guest.
You should definitely try Slovak cakes made from potato dough with goose liver, fried sausages, bread with lard and onions, goose, gypsy liver. From baked goods - all kinds of strudels, honey cakes and other goodies. And all this is washed down with mulled wine, grog, punch, mead. It is also worth trying the national hot drink of a very unusual taste, made from strong alcohol and duck or pork fat.
It is customary for Slovaks to come to fairs with everyone individually: with relatives, friends, relatives. And since Slovaks have many relatives and friends, they spend all weekends at Christmas markets, eating, drinking, having fun, singing and dancing to the music of the many orchestras that come to Bratislava on holidays.
