S:t Michael and the Dragon, a photo from Bratislavsky, West

Photographer's Note

Michael's Gate (Michalsk� br嫕a) is the oldest and only remaining city gate of the fortifications that once surrounded the inner city (Star� Mesto) of Bratislava, capital of Slovakia. It was built in the 14th century as one of four gates into the city.

The tower above the gate was destroyed from 1529 to 1534, but was repaired by the city council and the population of Bratislava between 1753 and 1758 and rebuilt in its present baroque style.

The 51 meters high tower with its green copper roof is one of the best recognized buildings in Bratislava. Not least because of the statue of S:t Michael the Archangel slaying the Dragon, which was placed on top of the spire in 1758.

In many depictions Michael is represented as an angelic warrior, fully armed with helmet, sword, and shield. He may be standing over a serpent or a dragon symbolizing the defeated figure of Satan, whom he sometimes pierces with a lance.

Last year we crossed the Slovak Republic (Slovensk� republika) from north to south, but this time I stayed overnight in Bratislava.