Kapitulska Street
Medieval Sanctuary
About
Kapitulska Street is one of the oldest in Bratislava, predating the city’s official establishment in the 13th century. This picturesque, cobblestone-paved street winds along the City Walls from St. Martin’s Cathedral toward the north.
Together with its narrow passages leading to the City Walls and the charming alleys—Prepostska, Farska, and Na vrsku—that connect it to Klariska Street, this small area remains one of the quietest and most romantic corners of the Old Town.
Kapitulska Street has long been home to several Roman Catholic institutions, including the Faculty of Theology and Seminary, the Bishops’ Conference of Slovakia, a parish office, Premonstratensian nuns, a youth center, and Catholic radio and newspapers.
Tips
Explorer
Shoes
Best Times
Early Bird
Nearby restaurants
Just steps from this medieval sanctuary lie several charming spots to eat and drink. On Na vrsku Street, you’ll find two atmospheric cellar pubs—Cierny Pes, a Slovak favorite, and Uisce Beatha, an Irish pub whose name means “water of life”, or whisky. Stroll down Klariska Street to enjoy a pint at Da Vinci Bistro, or sample something less traditional: a sweet or savory treat at Funki Punki Creperie, or inventive vegan sushi at the aptly named Smak.
Things to do nearby
Just stroll along the cobblestone-paved street, and, if you haven’t already, be sure to visit the City Walls, which protected Bratislava from invaders for centuries. To the south, visit the magnificent St. Martin’s Cathedral. To the north-east, visit one of Bratislava’s top sights, the Michael’s Gate. Once ready to leave the Old Town, climb to the Bratislava Castle and enjoy views of the Danube river.
For centuries, the St. Martin’s Cathedral was playing a key religious and political role in Central Europe, as the coronation church of kings and queens of the Hungarian Kingdom, including famous Maria Theresa. The construction of this beautiful Gothic building was initiated in 1311 A.D. and finalized two centuries later. The 85-meter-high tower houses houses six bells, including a 2.5-ton Wederin, dating back to 1674, as well as a 150-kilogram golden-plated model of the Hungarian royal crown.
During the Middle Ages, Bratislava’s massive City Walls played an important defensive role. The inner city was only accessible through three main fortified gates, and later a smaller one in the Danube direction. The Michael’s Gate featuring an iconic tower is the only one that survived until today. As the walls’ relevance decreased after the defeat of the Ottoman forces in the 18th century, their large part was destroyed to allow the city’s further expansion. Travel back in time by entering the preserved part of the walls through a bridge connecting it with the Castle Hill, a gate opposite to the St. Martin’s Cathedral, or a passage from Kapitulska Street. The Walls are open every day of the week.
One of Europe’s oldest pharmacies, Salvator was established by the Jesuit College after their arrival in Bratislava in the first half of the 17th century and was formally founded by Archbishop Georgius Lippay around 1658. Originally located in a building opposite the northern entrance to the Cathedral on Kapitulska Street, the pharmacy moved in the 1830s to the Csaky Palace, south of the Cathedral on Panska Street, and eventually, in 1904, to a neighboring building where it still operates today. Visitors can admire the original Baroque furniture from the 1720s and a grand marble table dating back to the first half of the 17th century.
Michael’s Gate is the only preserved gate from the medieval fortifications of Bratislava. It was built in the 13th century and served as a part of the city’s fortifications. The tower offers stunning views of the Old Town and is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Bratislava. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to snap a photo with this iconic gate! Besides the tower, be sure to visit the Red Crayfish, a small Museum of Pharmacy located within the Gate’s barbican.
Perched on a hill where people have dwelled since the Stone Age and where the Celts minted their well-known Biatec coins, Bratislava Castle stands tall as the most impressive landmark in the city. For centuries, it was overseeing the intersection of Europe’s major trade routes – the Danube River and the Amber Road. Today, it exhibits a historical museum and a baroque garden. The castle walls and the castle park remain accessible at all times, offering one of the finest views of the city’s panorama.
