Maria Theresa – Bratislava Castle

The period of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy was very important for Bratislava, as it was then that it was its capital for the longest time. The city experienced significant development in the field of culture and social life during the reign of Empress Maria Theresa.  Even today , the city commemorates the coronation of Maria Theresa, who was crowned Queen of Hungary at the age of 24 in St. Martin’s Cathedral. During the reign of the Empress, in addition to the park, other green areas were created to serve the public. The first gardens (small and large) in the Versailles style were created at Bratislava Castle, while the first rosariums and orangeries were created. Maria Theresa was known for her love of flowers, especially roses. After 1740, Bratislava experienced significant urban development. Maria Theresa rebuilt Bratislava Castle into a magnificent Baroque residence, and the current reconstruction of the castle tries to capture the magnificence of the period of her reign.