Primates' Palace, Bratislava

Primates' Palace, Bratislava

Built in 1778-'81 for Archbishop József Batthyány, the Primate's Palace is a neoclassical palace in Bratislava's Old Town that is the seat of the Mayor.

Built in 1778-'81 for Archbishop József Batthyány, the Primate's Palace is a neoclassical palace in Bratislava's Old Town that is the seat of the Mayor. This historic palace is where Napoleon Bonaparte and Roman Emperor Francis I signed the Treaty of Pressburg in 1805 following the Battle of Austerlitz, ending the War of the Third Coalition.

Designed by Melchior Hefele, the pink and white façade is surmounted by allegorical statues representing Batthyány's qualities of justice and graciousness, placed along the roof ledge. The courtyard has a fountain with a statue of Saint George slaying a three-headed dragon. The rich interiors feature red carpet walkways, wooden flooring, huge mirrors, sculptures, and elaborate chandeliers. The Hall of Mirrors where the Pressburg Treaty was signed has a Roman-style bust of Emperor Francis next to it, while the entrance hall has a memorial tablet commemorating the event. There is a chapel dedicated to St Ladislaus. The palace is also home to the famous 17thcentury English tapestries from Mortlake, that were only rediscovered during a renovation in 1903.