The Franciscan Church (Slovak: Františkánsky kostol, Kostol Zvestovania Pána) is a Catholic church in the Old Town of Bratislava. As one of the oldest religious buildings in Bratislava's historical centre, the church has endured fires and earthquakes, leaving only a portion of the original structure intact. Today, it houses the relics of Saint Reparatus.
Believed to have been constructed between 1280 and 1297, the Franciscan Church was commissioned by Hungarian King Ladislaus IV as a symbol of victory over Czech King Přemysl Otakar II at the Battle of Moravian Field in 1278. The church was consecrated in 1297 by Hungarian King Andrew III.
Initially built in the Gothic style, the church underwent renovations in the Renaissance style in the 17th century and later in the Baroque style in the 18th century. In the 14th century, a Franciscan monastery was added, from which the Church of the Annunciation later derived its colloquial name. The same century saw the construction of the chapels of St. John the Evangelist and St. Rosalia.
During the 16th century, the Franciscan Church was used by Hungarian kings for public ceremonies, including the coronation of Ferdinand I in 1526. The church suffered damage from an earthquake in the first half of the 17th century but was subsequently restored, leading to gradual changes in its architectural style.
The monastery was confiscated under Emperor Joseph II, who pursued internal policies later known as "Josephine." In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Franciscan monastery's premises were used for city meetings, elections of Bratislava's leaders, and sessions of the local municipality.
The journey from Vienna to Budapest via Bratislava includes a stop in Bratislava for a city tour. Explore the rich history of Bratislava, visit the bustling city square, admire the grandeur of the palace, walk through the iconic St. Michael's Gate, and experience the elegance of the Opera House.