Bratislava - Coronation Town
An unexpected turn in the history of the town was brought by the 16th
century . In a tragic battle with Turks at Moháč in 1526 , the
Hungarian King Louis II perished. Ferdinand of Hapsburg was elected new
king at a session in the Franciscan church in Bratislava, despite the
rival candidate Ján Zápoľský and despite the resistance of part of the
Hungarian nobility. With the Turks fast advancing into the country the
Hungarian nobility protected themselves by fleeing to the present
territory of Slovakia, where state offices were also moving. In 1530,
the Turks finally threatened Bratislava, partially damaging it with
shellfire.
The disaster that afflicted Hungary after the battle at Moháč was,
paradoxically, positive for Bratislava. After the capital city Buda was
occupied, Hungarian nobility along with secular and church dignitaries
were looking for a refuge north of the Danube and as close as possible
to where the King, Ferdinand, was residing. The convenient position and
relative safety of Bratislava decided that it was to become the capital
city of Hungary. It was confirmed as such by the Hungarian assembly at
its session in 1536 . The town of merchants, craftsmen and wine-growers
became the residential city of the country, seat of nobility and the
church. Bratislava became an assembly city of the Kingdom and a
coronation city of Hungarian kings, residence of the king, the
archbishop, as well as that of the most significant institutions of the
country. During 1536 – 1830, 11 kings and queens were crowned in the
Dome of St. Martin.
Contact us