Grassalkovich Palace

Overview

Grassalkovich Palace is an elegant late-Baroque and Rococo residence serving as the official seat of the President of Slovakia. The pink-and-white facade and the formal French garden behind it make it one of the most photographed buildings in the city.

Highlights

• Presidential Garden: The beautifully maintained garden behind the palace is open to the public.
• Changing of the Guard: The hourly guard-changing ceremony in front of the palace is a popular attraction.
• Fountain of Youth: A musical fountain in the garden operates in summer.

History

Built in 1760 for Count Anton Grassalkovich, chairman of the Hungarian Royal Chamber, the palace hosted lavish social events—Joseph Haydn conducted concerts here. After 1939 it became the seat of the president and was reconstructed in the 1990s after independence.

Visitor Tips

• Exterior Only: The palace interior is not open to the public, but the garden and exterior are well worth visiting.
• Guard Change: Catch the ceremony on the hour for a classic Central European experience.
• Duration: 15–20 minutes for the exterior and garden.