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Grassalkovich Palace

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Grassalkovich Palace in Bratislava is an outstanding example of late Baroque and Rococo architecture, serving since 1996 as the official residence of the President of the Slovak Republic. It was built in 1760 for Count Anton Grassalkovich I, an influential Hungarian nobleman and advisor to Empress Maria Theresa. The palace was designed by architect Andreas Mayerhoffer and was a center of social life in the 18th century, with even Joseph Haydn conducting concerts here. The building is characterized by its elegant facade, a magnificent ballroom, and a chapel with valuable frescoes. Behind the palace lies the Grassalkovich Garden, a formerly private French garden that now serves as a public park and houses modern sculptures as well as an equestrian statue of Maria Theresa. Despite several modifications in the 19th and 20th centuries, the palace was faithfully restored in the 1990s to regain its historical grandeur for its role as the presidential seat.

Location: Slovakia
Top sights: Grassalkovich Palace · Krokus Galéria · Múzeum polície Slovenskej republiky
Nearby: Karlova Ves (4 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-1	1	5	11	16	21	23	22	17	11	5	0
Rain mm	40	36	41	35	71	73	69	69	69	49	43	41

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Grassalkovich Palace serves as the official residence of the president, so it is not open to the public. The exterior and the partially open park can be viewed.

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Typical hours

The park is usually open to the public during daytime with no fixed hours. The building itself can only be visited on select days, such as open house events.

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Photography

Photography of the exterior facade and the park is allowed at any time. Avoid stepping on the lawns and photographing security personnel.

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Time needed

A walk around the building and through the park takes about 20-30 minutes. If you explore the park in more detail, allow 45 minutes.

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Combine with

Combine your visit with the nearby Presidential Garden or the historic center of Bratislava. Bratislava Castle is also only a 20-minute walk away.

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Getting there

Grassalkovich Palace is located at Hodžovo Square in central Bratislava, about a 15-minute walk from the main train station. The nearest bus stop is 'Hodžovo námestie'.

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Insider tip

Visit the park on weekends when events or changing of the guard often take place. Follow security instructions and keep a proper distance from the building.

Geography

Coordinates

48.14910, 17.10770

Facts

The palace was completed in 1760 for Count Anton Grassalkovich I
Architect Andreas Mayerhoffer designed the palace in the Rococo style
Joseph Haydn performed here during the 18th century as a conductor
It has been the official residence of the Slovak President since 1996
The Grassalkovich Garden is a public park designed in French style
The 'Planet of Peace' fountain stands in the square in front of the palace

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Michael's Gate<1 km · SExplore →

Port of Bratislava3 km · SEExplore →

Nové Mesto (Bratislava)3 km · NEExplore →

Bratislava Zoo3 km · NWExplore →

Slovnaft Refinery6 km · SEExplore →

Podunajské Biskupice8 km · EExplore →

Devínska Kobyla9 km · WExplore →

Gerulata11 km · SExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

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Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Grassalkovich Palace (10)

Grassalkovich Palace🏰 castle

Palace in Bratislava, seat of the Slovak president.

Krokus Galéria

Arts centre in Bratislava, featuring works by Slovak artists.

🌐 krokusgaleria.sk🕒 We-Sa 14:00-18:00

Múzeum polície Slovenskej republiky🏛 museum

Police museum in Bratislava, on the history of the Slovak police.

🌐 minv.sk🕒 Tu-Fr 10:00-14:00🆓

Štúdio L+S

Theatre in Bratislava, Slovakia, known for cabaret and drama.

🌐 studios.sk

Grasalkovičova záhrada🌳 park

Park surrounding the Grassalkovich Palace in Bratislava.

Galéria PF 01

Arts centre in Bratislava, with rotating exhibitions.

Galéria FruFru

Arts centre in Bratislava, presenting contemporary art.

Karácsonyiho palác🏰 castle

Building in Bratislava, Slovakia, a historic palace.

Veľký evanjelický kostol

Church building in Bratislava, Slovakia, an evangelical church.

Nová scéna

Theatre in Bratislava, Slovakia, with modern productions.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you visit the interior of Grassalkovich Palace?

No, as it is the seat of the Slovak President, it's usually only open during open-house days.

Is the garden behind the palace open to the public?

Yes, the Presidential Garden is a public park and open daily.

When does the changing of the guard take place?

The ceremonial changing of the guard usually takes place on weekdays at 12:00.

How do you get to the palace?

It is located at Hodžovo námestie, a central hub reachable by many bus and tram lines.

When was the palace built?

It was built in 1760 for Count Antal Grassalkovich in Rococo-Baroque style.

Grassalkovich Palace: where is it located?

Grassalkovich Palace is located in Slovakia.

Grassalkovich Palace: what is there to see?

Highlights include Grassalkovich Palace, Krokus Galéria, Múzeum polície Slovenskej republiky.

Grassalkovich Palace: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Grassalkovich Palace: why is it worth visiting?

Grassalkovich Palace in Bratislava is an outstanding example of late Baroque and Rococo architecture, serving since 1996 as the official residence of the President of the Slovak Republic.

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