Description of the attraction
The Mikhailovsky Gate was built in the 13th century as part of the city's fortifications. They were the main portal through which one could enter the territory of the city from the north. The other three city gates have not survived to our time. The tower in which the checkpoint was located was named after the Church of St. Michael, which was located right in front of the gate. This church was destroyed when Bratislava was besieged by the troops of the Turkish Sultan. The stones from which it was built were used to erect additional defensive structures. However, medieval architects left us a reminder of the once existing church. They embedded a part of a tombstone made of pink stone into the wall of the Mikhailovskaya Tower. It can be seen from the side of Mikhailovskaya Street above the roof of a neighboring house.
The base of the tower was erected in the XIV century, and the octagonal superstructure was erected later - in 1511-1517. The Mikhailovskaya Tower received its baroque look in the middle of the 18th century as a result of reconstruction. Its dome is decorated with a small statue of St. Michael fighting a dragon.
There is an observation deck on the tower, from where you can see not only the Old Town spread out below, but also Bratislava Castle. The rise to the tower is paid, it is included in the ticket price for visiting the Museum of Ancient Weapons, which is located in the premises of the tower.
Under the arch of the Mikhailovsky Gate, according to the urban legend, silence should be observed so that you are always lucky in any trials. Passing under the aisle of the gate, pay attention to the "zero kilometer", which indicates the distance from the capital of Slovakia to some cities on the planet.
