Michael’s Gate: Bratislava, Slovakia

Bratislava, Slovakia with Viking River Cruises

It was four years ago that we had the opportunity to visit Bratislava, Slovakia on a Christmas Markets river cruise with Viking River Cruises.

The photograph at the top is from fellow Flickr member BMclvr showing St. Michael’s Gate in Bratislava, Slovakia.

Michael’s Gate is the only city gate that has been preserved of the medieval fortifications and ranks among the oldest town buildings. Built about the year 1300, its present shape is the result of baroque reconstructions in 1758, when the statue of St. Michael and the Dragon was placed on its top. The tower houses the Exhibition of Weapons of Bratislava City Museum. (via Wikipedia)

I shot the photograph to the right (see Carol at the yellow arrow).

As you can see, the folks in the photograph are primarily dressed in winter attire. Although, for December, we found rather balmy temperatures hovering in the low 50s. Quite nice for a Christmas Markets cruise, methinks.

When you gaze across the Danube from the historic center of Bratislava, the architecture is reminiscent of the town’s days behind the Iron Curtain.  However, the Slovak Republic today is doing very well. 90% of its citizens own their own homes and Slovakia is currently the world’s largest per-capita car producer.

Bratislava holds a special place in my heart because the charm we found in the Christmas Market in the evening was quite magical.  Read more about that here.

Not all Danube river cruises make a stop in Bratislava, but if you get the opportunity, I highly recommend it.  🙂

To learn more about Viking River Cruises on the Danube, CLICK HERE.
 
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