Michael's Gate
Michalská brána
The only medieval city gate in the old town to survive. A statue of St. Michael slaying the dragon stands atop its tower, and the tower houses a weapons museum with a climb to the top for views over the old town.
The gate was built in the 14th century, and a Baroque onion dome was added in the 18th century. The tower stands about 51 meters tall. Inside, the city museum's weapons and fortification exhibits fill the lower floors. From the top-level gallery, you can see 360 degrees across the old town's rooftops and the castle. On the ground beneath the gateway, a circular plaque marks "zero kilometers" and shows distances to major cities around the world. Outside the gate, Michael Street to Venturska Street is the main pedestrian shopping and dining street. Climbing the tower requires a small admission fee, and the gate is closed on Mondays.
Opening hours
Tue–Sun approx. 10:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Main Square
- Old Town Hall
- Čumil (Man at Work)
- Primate's Palace
- St. Martin's Cathedral
- Hviezdoslav Square
- Slovak National Theatre (Historic Building)
- Grassalkovich Palace