This beautiful historical building was built in a Neo-Renaissance design by two Viennese architects. It is the second oldest professional theater of Slovakia, founded in 1920. The theater is set in one of the most elegant and charming places in Bratislava, Hviezdoslav’s Square. The square has become a favorite spot for walking, reading a book, meeting friends or just sitting and looking around. As it is in the heart of the city center, you can‘t and surely don’t want to miss it 🙂
LOCATION
The historical building of the Slovak National Theater is at the Hviezdoslav‘s Square. It is only a few steps away from the Old Town as well as the Danube River. There is a second (new) building of the national theater, too, built in 2007. This one is near Eurovea shopping center and promenade, 10 minutes walk from this square.
WHAT TO SEE AROUND THE SLOVAK NATIONAL THEATER?
First of all, if you decide to have a cultural experience while in Bratislava, check out the theater’s website. The performances are quite cheap (tickets range from 4 to 50 euro, depending on the play and category) and happen mostly every day. You can purchase them directly in the theater’s box office. The historical building has 3 ensembles: drama, opera and ballet, and can seat 1 000 people.
You can see a „hole“ in front of the building. Come closer to it and look down through the glass cover. You will see remains of the medieval structures.
HVIEZDOSLAV’S SQUARE
With a pedestrian line, outdoor restaurants, bars and cafes all around, Hviezdoslav’s Square is in fact more of a boulevard than a square. The whole place is shaded with big trees. There are many benches to sit down, and with all the cafes around, we understand why so many people come to spend time here.
The square carries its name after an important Slovak poet Pavol Országh Hviezdoslav. He is one of the leading personalities of the Slovak literature and culture in the late 19th century and early 20th century. You can find his statue in the middle of the square with a fountain. Behind the statue there is a big chessboard on the ground. Sometimes you also find huge figures on the board so that you can play the actual game 🙂
This statue is however not the only one on the square. Make sure you have a look at the “girl with a deer” or our Mr. Andersen!
Gift stalls with souvenirs stand in front of the Carlton hotel area during the whole day so you can stop by to purchase something nice or just to take a picture 🙂
MAGIC AT NIGHT
Even though the square is really beautiful during the day, we prefer it at night. All the lit up lights create a magical atmosphere which you will love.
If you want to have a great look on the whole square from the top (and enjoy a delicious drink or meal), our big recommendation is to visit the Sky bar. It is next to the American embassy, on the opposite side of the square. If you just want to walk around, try the ice cream at Luculus. It is one of the best ice-creams in town! You will know by the long queue waiting for their scoop 🙂
Now you are only a few steps away from the river bank from this square. Here you have two options. Go right (towards the Castle), which will lead you to the River Park. Alternatively go left and you will arrive to the Eurovea promenade. Either way, you will be able to relax at some nice cafes at the end and have a very nice walk. Enjoy!
Author: Maria Kecsoova
TICKETS: click for theater’s tickets
ADDRESS: Hviezdoslavovo námestie 3
CONNECT: Website; Facebook
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