Elegant 1781-era palace containing tapestries & statues, currently a music hall & mayor's office.
At a glance
#4 of 5 Historical landmarks in Bratislava #9 of 11 Tourist attractions in BratislavaLocalGuideWorld score: 4.50
Rating breakdown
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5 ★64%
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4 ★26%
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3 ★8%
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2 ★1%
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1 ★1%
What reviewers talk about
Share of 15 recent reviews that mention each topic.
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Price & value20%
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View13%
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Atmosphere13%
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Service & staff7%
Quick facts
- What is the rating of Primacial Palace?
- Primacial Palace is rated 4.5 out of 5 based on 6,186 reviews.
- How does Primacial Palace rank in Bratislava?
- Primacial Palace is #4 of 5 Historical landmarks in Bratislava by LocalGuideWorld score (rating weighted by number of reviews).
- Where is Primacial Palace located?
- Primaciálne námestie 2, 811 01 Bratislava, Slovakia — 0.2 km from the center of Bratislava.
- What do visitors mention most about Primacial Palace?
- Most often: price & value, view, atmosphere (from 15 recent reviews).
- How can I contact Primacial Palace?
- Phone: +421 2/593 563 94 · Website: visitbratislava.com
A Baroque-classicist palace in the heart of Bratislava, where Napoleon signed a peace treaty 'The Peace of Pressburg' in 1805.
Combined a visit here with the town museum (although quite a bit of the palace was closed when we were there). A really interesting place to wander about, see some interesting exhibits. Very reasonable entry charge (if visiting after being in Vienna this will come as a very welcome surprise !!).
The palace is beautiful and the ticket is very cheap. They provide an audio guide which gives details of every room. It takes hardly an hour to cover the entire place. Definitely worth a visit
The Primate Palace (Primaciálny palác) on Primate Square in today's Slovak capital Bratislava was built from 1778 to 1781 as the bishop's residence of Cardinal József Batthyány, the Primate of Hungary, according to the plans of the architect Melchior Hefele. It has a great architectural design and it is one of the landmarks of Bratislava. You should definitely visit it!
A nice little square where the aforementioned palace stands out the most. During the weeks of December, Christmas decorations are installed on the square, natural Christmas trees decorated with handmade ornaments are put up. At the edge of the square there is also a covered pavilion for socializing and enjoying the holiday season.
Beautifully pink just like a movie poster grand budapest.
It's big and serene
But you are forbid to take a picture even using a smartphone.
Still the palace quite different from other palace in Europe.
Kinda simplify and modern design.
There are fee admittance
It's big and serene
But you are forbid to take a picture even using a smartphone.
Still the palace quite different from other palace in Europe.
Kinda simplify and modern design.
There are fee admittance
The tapestries made in England are Def worth seeing as is the hall of mirrors, the paintings and the reception rooms upstairs. The cost is 3 euros. The courtyards are lovely also and the pink front facade is lovely
The building looked nice, with lot of architecture. Enjoyed the view in the evening.
Small Palace, words some painting. The Chapel was closed when we visited the place. The ticket was 3 euros.
Very beautiful square with cute decorations! Really enjoyed seating there peacefully, but sadly teenagers came there and started to drink the beer and interrupted that atmosphere. Beautiful pink facade and decorations!
The Primate’s Palace is one of the most beautiful classicist buildings in Slovakia. Portraits of Hungarian rulers are exhibited in the picture gallery. An impressive part of the gallery is a collection of six tapestries found in the reconstruction of the palace. The Hall of Mirrors is also representative along with five salons furnished with period furniture and named after the color of the walls – green, brown, blue, red and gold.
On the roof are allegorical statues by J. Kögler and F. Prokop as well as vases by J. A. Messerschmidt. Atop the tympanum is the coat of arms of Cardinal Jozef Batthyányi, the first occupant of the palace; an iron model of his hat, weighing 150kg, crowns the building.
The allegorical statutes along the roofline were intended to represent the cardinal’s human qualities and achievements. The Treat of Bratislava between France and Austria was signed in the palace’s Hall of Mirrors on 26 December, 1805. Today the palace is the office of the mayor of Bratislava, and the superb Hall of Mirrors is now used to host concerts.
The palace also contains a rare collection of English tapestries from the 17th century. They were produced at the royal tapestry works in the English town of Mortlake, but were only rediscovered during a reconstruction in 1903, and are undoubtedly worth a visit. The exquisite fountain of St George, depicting the legendary knight slaying the dragon, stands in the square inner courtyard of the Primate’s Palace. According to one legend the figure of St George represents the archbishop, and his fight with the dragon symbolises the efforts of the Catholic Church to banish the Reformation from the city. Legend has it that St George saved the virgin Dubravka from the dragon, and as a reward gained her hand in marriage. Each year, on St George’s Day, the stone statue is suppose to come to life, turn around on his horse and bow to the inhabitants of the city.
On the roof are allegorical statues by J. Kögler and F. Prokop as well as vases by J. A. Messerschmidt. Atop the tympanum is the coat of arms of Cardinal Jozef Batthyányi, the first occupant of the palace; an iron model of his hat, weighing 150kg, crowns the building.
The allegorical statutes along the roofline were intended to represent the cardinal’s human qualities and achievements. The Treat of Bratislava between France and Austria was signed in the palace’s Hall of Mirrors on 26 December, 1805. Today the palace is the office of the mayor of Bratislava, and the superb Hall of Mirrors is now used to host concerts.
The palace also contains a rare collection of English tapestries from the 17th century. They were produced at the royal tapestry works in the English town of Mortlake, but were only rediscovered during a reconstruction in 1903, and are undoubtedly worth a visit. The exquisite fountain of St George, depicting the legendary knight slaying the dragon, stands in the square inner courtyard of the Primate’s Palace. According to one legend the figure of St George represents the archbishop, and his fight with the dragon symbolises the efforts of the Catholic Church to banish the Reformation from the city. Legend has it that St George saved the virgin Dubravka from the dragon, and as a reward gained her hand in marriage. Each year, on St George’s Day, the stone statue is suppose to come to life, turn around on his horse and bow to the inhabitants of the city.
Beautiful building in the heart of Bratislava old town
Architecture is amazing
Steeped in history - great place to stroll around for free
Architecture is amazing
Steeped in history - great place to stroll around for free
The primates palace in the centre of the city is a must see for any visitor. It's a beautiful building from the outside and easy to find. Entry is very reasonable and students can get a discount. Lots of interesting rooms and information on its history is readily available. I would recommend not missing out on the view of the chapel from above at the end and the hall of mirrors.
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