Bratislava Fortifications

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St. Michael's Gate is the only remaining from the original four gates
St. Michael's Gate is the only remaining from the original four gates

The today's Bratislava (Pressburg), (Pozsony) Fortifications was a system of fortifications in the city of today's Bratislava, largely demolished in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Contents

[edit] History

Construction of the town fortifications started in the 13th century; by the end of the 14th century, there were three gates leading to the town: the Michael's Gate (north), Vydrica Gate (Vödric Gate) (west) and Laurinc Gate (east).[1] In the 15th century another smaller gate was added: the Fishermen's Gate (south, leading to the Danube). The suburbs gradually grew around the fortification walls, which were fortified in the 15th century with embankments and dykes on the order of King Sigismund, after a Hussite invasion. The town's outer line had five gates: the Kozia Gate (Kecske Gate), and gates at Suché mýto (Szárazvám), Špitálska (Kórház), Dunajská (Duna) and Schöndorf (Széplak) (today's Obchodná) streets.[1]

Due to the Turkish threat in the 16th century, the fortifications were reconstructed by Italian builders specialising in fortress building. Other changes were also planned in the 17th century, but only castle fortresses were implemented. However, as the town's inner walls were slowing the town's growth, Maria Theresa of Austria allowed the demolition of the fortifications in 1775.[2] Demolition continued until 1778, the moats were filled and the town united with its suburbs. At the beginning of the 19th century, the outer walls were also demolished.[1]

[edit] Today

A part of the remaining stretch of fortification near St. Martin's Cathedral
A part of the remaining stretch of fortification near St. Martin's Cathedral

Today, only Michael's Gate, a short stretch of former wall by it and a section by St. Martin's Cathedral approximately 200 metres in length have survived.[3][4] The section by St. Martin's Cathedral was renovated after a massive demolition in the area under the castle due to the construction of an access road to the Nový Most bridge, and parts of fortifications were uncovered.[5] The narrowest house in Europe is located on Michalská Street, near the St. Michael's Gate.[6]

[edit] Notes

  1. ^ a b c Bratislava City Museum: Museum Of Arms - Michael’S Tower: Museum Of Arms - Michael’S Tower
  2. ^ Lacika, "Bratislava", p. 36
  3. ^ Lacika, "Bratislava", p. 47
  4. ^ Sloboda, Martin (2006). Bratislava (in English). MS Agency s.r.o.. ISBN 80-89159-16-6. 
  5. ^ Lacika, "Bratislava", p. 70
  6. ^ Bratislavské kultúrne a informačné stredisko - Najužší dom v Európe

[edit] References

  • Lacika, Ján (2000). Bratislava, 1st ed., Visiting Slovakia (in English), Bratislava, Slovakia: DAJAMA. ISBN 80-88975-16-6.