Bratislava and Vienna are just about the two closest capital cities in the world at just over 55 kilometres apart. So, when the sun popped up this morning we took the highway directly east of Vienna and crossed the Novy Most (New Bridge) over the Danube and into the Old Town of Bratislava, capital of Slovakia. The bridge is unique in that it is the world's longest cable bridge to have only one pylon. The top of this pylon houses a UFO like structure with a restaurant and observation deck.
The sight of this ultra modern bridge took us by surprise as we had just driven through the unimaginably densely populated area of Petrzalka, built during the communist era.
Still coming to terms with European road signs, we think we parked the car legally in a very convenient place just next to the massive castle at the top of the hill. At the castle there was a little souvenir shop where we started talking to the two girls working behind the counter. We asked them for directions to a good coffee shop and as we talked both Paul and I were mesmerised by their beautiful pale eyes, olive skin and dark hair. This became a bit of a theme for the day as we encountered face after face of attractive and beguiling young girls who were ever-willing to chat and help us along the way. We found the coffee shop. The coffee was great and it was also served by yet another bewitching Slav girl.
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| Bratislava Castle in the mid 19th Century |
Bratislava Castle has a rich history, it was first mentioned in writing in the year 907. The castle and the city have been inhabited for thousands of years and over time, the Celts, the Romans, the Germans, the Slavs, the Hungarians and the Austrians have ruled the area. Bratislava Castle has been repeatedly rebuilt in it's prime location and we were fortunate to see it after a major 2 year renovation, which included painting the entire castle a pristine white. It has a dominating position above the Old Town overlooking the Danube.
We walked a lovely loop of the Old Town and saw many of the sights and monuments but what impressed all the girls most was a wander through an antique shop. There were amazing pieces on display. The shop owner pulled open a drawer of exquisite antique rings and let the girls try them on. We were absolutely sparkling with gems and jewels. How relieved I was that we had scrubbed and trimmed our nails just the day before!!
There are numerous quirky statues hidden inconspicuosly around the city that have positively no historical significance whatsoever. They were a light hearted attempt to add a little freshness into a somewhat grey and bleak city. We had fun finding a few of them.
On our way back to Vienna we drove the slow road, winding back up the Danube and passing through walled towns and under the ruins of castles from the middle ages. The Danube is Europe's second largest river, running through 10 countries it eventually empties into the Black Sea between Romania and Ukraine.
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| Slovakia |
Austrialee
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