Blue Church, Bratislava (must see)
The Hungarian Secessionist Catholic Church, known as the Church of Saint Elisabeth or the Blue Church, is located in Old Town Bratislava. The construction was consecrated to Elisabeth of Hungary, who was a princess and, later, became a Roman Catholic saint. She was widowed young and surrendered her wealth for a life devoted to the poor and indigent. After her death at the age of 24, many miracles of healing were accredited to her. She was canonized by Pope Gregory IX in 1235.
Built in 1908, the structure was designed by Odon Lechner, a recognized Hungarian architect. He was known to embellish his constructions with Zsolnay tile patterns. Zsolnay tiles were manufactured by a Hungarian company known for its intricate porcelain, tiles, stoneware and pottery. The tiles on the church’s roof were generated using the pyrogranite process, which involves firing ceramic under exceptionally high temperatures, producing resilient materials which are resistant to acid and frost. The structure has attained its name because of the blue color of the mosaics, which decorate its roof and walls.
The building features a cylindrical tower and bell dome common to the Hungarian Art Nouveau and the Romanesque movement in art and architecture. The single nave church contains vaulted ceilings along with hints of barrel vaults. Romanesque double pillars encompass the entrances and the windows.
Built in 1908, the structure was designed by Odon Lechner, a recognized Hungarian architect. He was known to embellish his constructions with Zsolnay tile patterns. Zsolnay tiles were manufactured by a Hungarian company known for its intricate porcelain, tiles, stoneware and pottery. The tiles on the church’s roof were generated using the pyrogranite process, which involves firing ceramic under exceptionally high temperatures, producing resilient materials which are resistant to acid and frost. The structure has attained its name because of the blue color of the mosaics, which decorate its roof and walls.
The building features a cylindrical tower and bell dome common to the Hungarian Art Nouveau and the Romanesque movement in art and architecture. The single nave church contains vaulted ceilings along with hints of barrel vaults. Romanesque double pillars encompass the entrances and the windows.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bratislava. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Blue Church on Map
Sight Name: Blue Church
Sight Location: Bratislava, Slovakia (See walking tours in Bratislava)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Bratislava, Slovakia (See walking tours in Bratislava)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Bratislava, Slovakia
Create Your Own Walk in Bratislava
Creating your own self-guided walk in Bratislava is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Bratislava Architectural Jewels
For centuries, Bratislava has been influenced by European art, culture, and architecture. The juxtaposition of styles here creates a captivating fabric where centuries-old Gothic and Baroque structures harmonize with sleek, modern designs.
The majestic Bratislava Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the Danube River since the 9th century, has seen many renovations over the years. Today, it... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
The majestic Bratislava Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the Danube River since the 9th century, has seen many renovations over the years. Today, it... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.5 Km or 2.2 Miles
Bratislava Old Town
The cityscape of Bratislava is characterized by medieval and other ancient buildings, the lion's share of which are concentrated in the Old Town. The special charm of the city's old quarter never ceases to amaze and is bound to leave anyone absolutely dazzled with its beauty.
The Old Town is indeed Bratislava's historic center, and as such, houses many historic monuments and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
The Old Town is indeed Bratislava's historic center, and as such, houses many historic monuments and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Historical Churches
Although somewhat modest in terms of sights, compared to the neighboring Vienna or Prague, the capital of Slovakia, Bratislava, does have a collection of historical churches that may be of interest to lovers of religious architecture.
Perhaps one of the most prominent landmarks in this area is Saint Martin's Cathedral. Dating back to the mid-15th century, this Gothic-style temple with a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Perhaps one of the most prominent landmarks in this area is Saint Martin's Cathedral. Dating back to the mid-15th century, this Gothic-style temple with a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles
Bratislava Introduction Walking Tour
The capital of Slovakia, Bratislava, is a lovely city straddling the river Danube near the convergence of the Austrian and Hungarian borders. Such closeness had its toll on the city's long and often tumultuous history, in which the Austrians, Croats, Czechs, Germans, Hungarians, Jews, Serbs and Slovaks played their role.
Formerly part of the Hungarian Kingdom, from 1536 to 1783 it was the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Formerly part of the Hungarian Kingdom, from 1536 to 1783 it was the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles