Graffiti In Bratislava

As usual, graffiti peppers Bratislava, similar to the way it does in other European cities. The kids are nuts for it. We ran across a large concentration of the stuff down a stairway, all sorts of stenciled designs. Violence, whimsy, music, all sorts of subjects were featured. A look at the self-expression.

Sculptures In Bratislava

When wandering Bratislava, you bump into all sorts of sculptures. Traditional, modern, hanging on walls, free-standing along boulevards, all sorts of examples. The sculpture guild has done well in Bratislava.

Funky bear and a traditional bust in the background.

Flanking a passageway, a couple of bigwigs get the hanging half-body treatment.

Sad stone priest.

Sculptures fading into the flora.

Animals and half-naked maidens, like peanut butter and chocolate. And ping pong tables.

Head on a wall and a sculptural whisper.

Communist-era remnant.

Sly Signs In Bratislava

Signs are signs, right? Stop, Alto, all the same, who cares? Wrong. Each country has its own graphic sign designers and each designer tends to put a little personality into the work.

Construction sign. Simple enough, but why is he moving a dirt pile from one side to the other? Small progress?

Walking signs, the same design, just flipped. Nope. On the left, an older man, warbling along, mouth slightly open. On the right, a younger man, walking jauntily, fashionable hat. Fascinating to have different designs. Maybe specific model year men?

Another walk sign, this time with dad/granddad and daughter/granddaughter. In case we couldn't tell it's a girl, the giant bow makes sure we get it.

Bratislava City Details

Once past the squares, monuments and museums of a city, what else is there to see? Endless little things. Bratislava has its own identity and contains its own details.

Road reconstruction.

Waiting for a passing tram. Tourism office window, showing the big attractions of the area. Roasted duck, plates and men with big sticks.

Old church and newer bus depot.

Communist building with inspiring friezes flanking the entrance. Primary colors construction.

Post no bills? Post all bills!

Seeing The Sights In Bratislava

That's the capital of Slovakia, for those globe trotters counting countries and cities at home. It's a quick cruise down the Danube from Vienna, why not check the city out for a day? We did.

The iconic skyline structure? How about a bridge nicknamed the UFO because of its tower topping circular restaurant? Hey, it's the longest bridge in the world that features one pylon and one set of cables for support. Got that?

The Old Town section, like many similar spaces in Europe, full of cobblestones, squares and small alleys.

The Blue Church, a 1911 big ol' Art Nouveau cupcake.

Across from the Blue Church, a related school, including in architectural style. Back in the Old Town, a central tower.
Bratislava castle. This imposing hilltop fortress has been around in one form or another since BC. Left to ruin after a fire in 1811, the castle finally underwent a restoration that was completed in 2010.

Looking back toward Old Town, Onion Domes peeking over graffiti. The Slovak National Theater. It was all dressed up for some movie featuring Woodrow Wilson making an appearance.

The most famous image of Bratislava, a whimsical sculpture, Man At Work, from 1997. Seriously. You can buy a reproduction on magnets, scarves, everything.

Cruising Down The Danube From Vienna To Bratislava

How exotic! Old cities, famous river. About an hour taxi ride on the water.

We're off, a rainy day on the Danube.

Someone's excited, someone has dozed off. It all depends on how many times you've made the trip.

One highlight, going through a set of locks. Heading in and watching the lock fill.

A few more meters to go.

And...we're out, back cruising again with the river barge traffic. Passing little weekend cabins.

End of the line, Bratislava.