Slavin
War Cemetery & Memorial
About
Slavin is a war cemetery and memorial dedicated to the soldiers of the 2nd Ukrainian Front of the Red Army who were killed in the Battle of Bratislava, leading to the liberation of the city on April 4, 1945.
Completed in 1960, it was designed by architect Jan Svetlik. The grounds of Slavin include six mass graves and 278 individual graves, collectively honoring 6,845 soldiers. The site also features numerous sculptures and a grand staircase. Its central feature is a monumental 52-meter-high memorial, the largest of its kind in Central Europe. At the base of the memorial lies a quadrilateral ceremonial hall, encircled by 20 pillars and inscribed with the names of Slovak cities liberated by the Red Army. Rising from this base is a 39-meter obelisk, topped with an 11-meter bronze statue of a Soviet soldier holding a flag.
In addition to its primary commemorative purpose, Slavin is a beloved destination for both locals and tourists. Its prominent location on a hill, within Bratislava’s most exclusive residential area, offers breathtaking views of the city, including Bratislava Castle.
Logistics
- Slavín, Bratislava
- Non-stop
- Free of charge
- One of the best views of Bratislava
Tips
Best Vista
Slavin at Night
Nearby restaurants
After your visit to Slavin, descend from the hilly residential area and enjoy one of the nearby restaurants. To the northeast, just a 10-minute walk downhill, you’ll find the upscale Sogu. To the east, on Stefanikova Street, Fabrika, a popular brewery located on the ground floor of a hotel, awaits. If you’re departing by bus 147 for ‘Hviezdoslavovo namestie’, the nearby Stefanka might be a good choice. Named after Princess Stéphanie of Belgium, Crown Princess of Austria, it boasts a history dating back to 1897. About 15 minutes in the direction of Forest Park, you’ll reach the fine-dining Italian restaurant Da Andrea. For coffee, head south, where multiple popular cafés, including Panenska kaviaren and Sväg To Go, can be found on or near Panenska Street.
Things to do nearby
Although Slavin is off the main tourist path due to its remote location, its neighborhood is a destination in its own right. The winding streets below the monument are lined with both historic and modern villas, attracting architecture enthusiasts and offering a more tranquil environment for a stroll compared to the crowded pedestrian zone of the Old Town. The closest tourist attractions are the Grassalkovich (Presidential) Palace and the Forest Park.
Just 10 minutes walking distance from Slavin lies a green oasis. The Forest Park or “Horsky park” established 150 years ago is a perfect place for a refreshing walk on a hot summer day. It features a popular cottage-style coffee shop with a mini-zoo and a small playground, as well as a small open-air gallery. The Forest park is pet-friendly.
The seat of the President, originally built in 1760 as the summer residence of Count Grassalkovich, is located just outside the Old Town’s pedestrian zone. While the Grassalkovich Palace is closed to the public due to its official function, the adjacent garden, featuring beautiful flower beds and old trees, remains open free of charge. Renowned for its beauty and tranquility, the garden is a popular spot for walks and relaxation.
