St. Martin's Cathedral

Overview

St. Martin's Cathedral is Bratislava's most important Gothic church, serving as the coronation church of the Kingdom of Hungary for nearly three centuries. A gilded replica of the Hungarian crown sits atop the 85-metre tower.

Highlights

• Coronation Heritage: Between 1563 and 1830, 19 Hungarian kings and queens were crowned here.
• Gothic Interior: Stunning ribbed vaulting, a Baroque chapel by Georg Rafael Donner, and stained glass windows.
• Crown on the Tower: The 300 kg gilded replica crown on a 2-metre cushion atop the steeple is a Bratislava icon.

History

The church was built in the 14th–15th centuries and became the coronation church after the Ottoman conquest of Buda in 1541 forced the Hungarian capital to Pressburg (Bratislava). A major restoration in the 19th century restored its Gothic character.

Visitor Tips

• Free Entry: No entrance fee for the main church; a small fee applies for the crypt.
• Organ Concerts: Occasional organ recitals are held—check the parish schedule.
• Duration: 30–40 minutes.