Old Town Hall

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Old Town Hall

Bratislava's Old Town Hall (Stará radnica) is one of the oldest stone buildings in Bratislava, and the oldest city hall in Slovakia.

Finished in the Gothic style in the 15th century, it resulted from the joining several buildings. The principal building adjacent to the tower was built by the city mayor Jakab in the 14th century, while the tower itself (originally Gothic) was erected in the late 13th century.

Later it underwent many transformations and enhancements, namely a Renaissance style reconstruction in 1599 following earthquake damage, Baroque restyling to the tower after a fire in the 18th century, and the addition of a Neorenaissance/Neogothic wing built in 1912.

The Old Town Hall is located in the heart of the city center, between the Main Square and the Primate's square, next to the Greek and Japanese embassies. It is easily recognizable by its colorful tiled roof.

The building was used as a town hall from the 15th century through the late 19th century. At times during that period, however, it also served other purposes, including housing a prison and mint, and being place of trade and celebrations. It was also used as the city's arsenal depository and municipal archive.

Today it hosts the Bratislava City Museum, displaying exhibitions of Bratislava's history. Exhibited items include torture instruments, the old town dungeons, antique weapons and armour, paintings and miniatures. One of its curiosities is a cannonball embedded in the tower wall, shot by Napoleon's soldiers in 1809 during bombardment of the city from Petržalka. During the summer its courtyard hosts concerts.

Photo 1075, Sept 2008