Saint Martin's Cathedral
Cathedral in Bratislava, coronation church of Hungarian kings.
🌐 dom.fara.sk🕒 Mo-Sa 09:00-11:30,13:00-18:00; Su 13:45-16:30
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St. Martin's Cathedral
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St. Martin's Cathedral in Bratislava is one of the most important churches in Slovakia. Construction began in the 13th century in Gothic style and was completed in the 15th century. The cathedral served as the coronation church for Hungarian kings and queens from 1563 to 1830, with a total of 19 coronations. The church is dedicated to Saint Martin. Inside, there is a Baroque chapel and a Gothic sculpture of the saint. The tower is 85 meters high and houses a carillon. The cathedral is located in the Old Town near the castle. Beneath the cathedral are crypts with tombs of church dignitaries. It underwent several renovations, most recently in the 19th century in Neo-Gothic style. Today it is the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Bratislava. The facade features a replica of the Hungarian royal crown. The cathedral is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims.
- Location: Slovakia
- Top sights: Saint Martin's Cathedral · Bratislavský Gašparko · Prepoštský palác
- 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
Visiting
The cathedral is open to visitors; the interior can be viewed for a small fee. The crypt is also accessible.
Typical hours
The cathedral is typically open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, except during services. In winter hours may be shorter.
Photography
Photography without flash is allowed inside. The chandeliers and stained glass windows offer splendid subjects.
Time needed
Allow about one hour for the cathedral and crypt. The adjacent cathedral square invites you to linger.
Combine with
Combine with Bratislava Castle, which towers above the cathedral. The walk up goes through the old town with many cafés.
Getting there
The cathedral is at the edge of Bratislava's old town, about a 10-minute walk from the main square. The nearest tram stop is 'Kapucínska'.
Insider tip
Look for the coronation plaque on the cathedral's outer wall - it marks where Hungarian kings were crowned. A historical detail.
Geography
Facts
- The cathedral's tower is 85 meters high.
- 19 coronations took place here from 1563 to 1830.
- The nave is 58 meters long.
- The Gothic vaults are 20 meters high.
- The organ has 40 stops.
- The carillon in the tower consists of 8 bells.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town St. Martin's Cathedral (10)
Bratislavský Gašparko
Theatre in Bratislava, specializing in puppet theatre.
🌐 bratislavskygasparko.sk🕒 Sa 16:00-18:00; Su 10:00-12:00
BIBIANA, International House of Art for Children
International house of art for children in Bratislava.
Erdődyho palác🏰 castle
Palace in Slovakia, historic building in Bratislava.
Čákiho palác🏰 castle
Palace in Bratislava, historic town palace.
Zoya Gallery
Gallery in Bratislava, exhibiting contemporary art.
Vtáčia bašta🗼 tower
Tower in Bratislava, part of the former city fortifications.
Krása vesmírna
Gallery in Bratislava, with rotating art exhibitions.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Did coronations take place in St. Martin's Cathedral?
Yes, between 1563 and 1830, 11 Hungarian kings and 8 queens were crowned here.
Can you visit the crypt?
Yes, the crypts beneath the cathedral are open to visitors.
What does the crown on top of the tower mean?
It commemorates the cathedral's role as the coronation church of Hungarian kings.
Is entry to the cathedral free?
Often free for the main nave; a small fee is charged for the treasury and crypt.
Can you visit during mass?
Tourist visits are not permitted during services.
St. Martin's Cathedral: where is it located?
St. Martin's Cathedral is located in Slovakia.
St. Martin's Cathedral: what is there to see?
Highlights include Saint Martin's Cathedral, Bratislavský Gašparko, Prepoštský palác.
St. Martin's Cathedral: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
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