Hotels near Blue Church of St Elisabeth

The Blue Church (Modry kostolik), formally the Church of St Elisabeth of Hungary, is Bratislava's most photographed piece of Art Nouveau architecture. Designed by the Hungarian architect Odon Lechner and consecrated in 1913, the entire exterior - facade, roof tiles, tower and even the surrounding wall - is painted in a soft pastel Wedgwood blue with white and gold trim. Cylindrical tower, curved walls, majolica-tiled roofs and a rounded arcade combine into a piece of the Vienna Secession filtered through Hungarian folk motifs.

The interior continues the theme with blue plasterwork, blue-and-gold pews and a large mosaic of St Elisabeth of Hungary (1207-1231), the daughter of King Andrew II who was born in Bratislava. The church is an active parish, so opening hours are restricted to just before and after Mass: usually 06:30-07:30 and 17:30-19:00 on weekdays, and Sunday morning between services. Admission is free. Photography from outside is unrestricted; from inside allowed outside of services.

Pro Tip: Come at 07:30 on a weekday morning when the interior is open post-Mass and photographers are absent. For the best exterior shot, cross Bezrucova to the pavement in front of the Gymnazium Grosslingova - the front elevation with tower catches morning light till 11:00.