Grassalkovich Garden

History

The garden was laid out after 1760 as part of the summer residence of Count Anton Grassalkovich, a Hungarian nobleman and favourite of Empress Maria Theresa. The palace quickly became the centre of Habsburg social life. In 1772 it hosted a noble ball attended by Maria Theresa herself, at which Joseph Haydn conducted the orchestra.

At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, the palace was home to Archduke Friedrich Habsburg and his wife Isabella de Croy. After World War II the premises served as a pioneer youth facility. The garden underwent extensive renovation in 1998 and 1999, which preserved its original Baroque layout while incorporating new symbolic elements.

What to expect

The garden is spacious and well maintained, with old trees, manicured lawns and carefully arranged flower beds. Key features include an equestrian statue of Empress Maria Theresa, and the Fountain of Joy of Life created by Slovak sculptor Tibor Bártfay and his collaborators in 1978. The garden also contains a statue of Bratislava-born composer Jan Nepomuk Hummel.

The Avenue of Presidents is a row of trees symbolically planted by heads of state from around the world during their official visits to Slovakia between 1999 and 2003.

A children’s playground with equipment made from acacia wood blends naturally into the surroundings, with swings, balance beams, climbing frames and other play structures.

Getting there

Located behind the Presidential Palace on Hodžovo Square, between the Old Town and the main train station. Entrances on Štefánikova Street (West Gate) and Banská Bystrica Street (East Gate). A 5-minute walk from Michael’s Gate.

Tips

• Dogs and bicycles are not permitted in the garden
• The changing of the guard takes place daily at 1:00 PM in front of the palace on Hodžovo Square
• Closed on public holidays
• A good stop for families, the playground equipment is safe and well maintained
• Combine with a visit to the nearby Slovak Radio Building and Námestie slobody (Freedom Square)