St. Martin’s Cathedral

Coronation Church of the Hungarian Kingdom

Between 1563 and 1830, St. Martin’s Cathedral was the coronation church of Hungarian kings and queens from the Habsburg dynasty. Ten kings, one queen and several royal consorts were crowned here, when Bratislava served as the coronation city of the Kingdom of Hungary.

The cathedral tower, 85 metres high, is topped with a gilded replica of the Hungarian royal crown weighing around 300 kilograms. It remains one of the most recognizable symbols of Bratislava’s royal past.

Today, the city sometimes recalls this history through the Coronation Days events, which bring the atmosphere of royal ceremonies back to the streets.

Gothic Interior and Art

Inside, the cathedral features a spacious three-nave Gothic interior with several historic chapels:

• Chapel of St. Anne
• Chapel of Sophia of Bavaria
• Canon’s Chapel
• Baroque Chapel of St. John the Merciful

One of the most important artworks is the sculpture of St. Martin by Georg Raphael Donner. It shows St. Martin on horseback sharing his cloak with a beggar and is one of the key Baroque works in Central Europe.

The southern Renaissance portal is also a highlight, representing one of the earliest Renaissance architectural elements in Slovakia.

A Living Landmark of Bratislava

St. Martin’s Cathedral is still an active church and an important part of Bratislava’s identity. It is located near Bratislava Castle and within easy walking distance from the Old Town.

It is one of the most visited monuments in the city and a key stop for visitors interested in history, architecture and royal heritage.

Visitor Information

• Location: Rudnayovo námestie 1, Bratislava Old Town
• Opening hours: vary depending on services and events
• Admission: free entry (donations welcome)
• Guided tours: available during selected periods
• Tourist Information Centre (TIC): available in Bratislava Old Town for maps and city information