Grassalkovich Palace (Grasalkovicov Palac)
Hodžovo námestie 2978/1, Bratislava, Slovakia, 811 06
Once home to aristocrats and now home to the Slovakian president, Grassalkovich Palace on the northern edge of Bratislava’s Old Town has been a vital landmark of the city since its construction in 1760. Its white-washed Baroque exterior and monumental modern fountain make a bold statement, as do the surrounding formal French gardens.
The basics
Since the palace as a presidential residence is understandably off-limits to the public, visits to Grassalkovich Palace and walking tours that pass by revolve around its exterior and neighboring sights. Hodžovo Square in front of the palace offers the best view of Grassalkovich Palace and the curious Planet of Peace Fountain. Where visitors are more likely to spend their time here are the extensive Presidential Gardens behind the palace, originally designed as a formal French garden.
Things to know before you go
Grassalkovich Palace opens to the public for a special occasion one day each year, generally around the middle of June.
While the Changing of the Guard ceremony typically occurs once daily, it takes place hourly when the president is in residence.
Dogs and bicycles are not permitted inside the Presidential Gardens.
How to get there
Grassalkovich Palace is located just north of the Old Town of Bratislava, roughly midway between Bratislava’s Central Train Station and the Danube River. The Hodžovo námestie bus stop across the road from the palace sits on many of the city’s day and night bus routes, while the nearest tram stop, Poštová on the #1 and #9 routes, is just a 5-minute walk.
When to get there
It’s possible to admire the exterior of Grassalkovich Palace at any time, but crowds peak at 1pm for the Changing of the Guard ceremony. During the evening, the palace is illuminated, making it another nice time to stop by. The Presidential Gardens are at their most lively with picnickers during summer and close to the public overnight.
Other palaces of Bratislava
Visitors to Bratislava looking to see what the inside of a local palace is like have many options available to them in the Old Town. The Primate's Palace is possibly Bratislava’s most famous and hosts a gallery with portraits and tapestries. Other alternatives hosting art galleries include the Mirbach Palace, home to another art gallery and a lavish rococo interior, and Pálffy Palace, where Mozart once performed as a child.
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