History

The construction of the SNP Bridge and the UFO Observation Tower was one of the most ambitious projects of its time. The works started in 1967, when architects J. Lacko, L. Kušnír, I. Slameň, and engineers A. Tešár and J. Zvara designed the bridge, which connected the banks of the Danube and created one of the most significant landmarks of Bratislava.

The grand opening of the SNP Bridge took place on August 26, 1972, marking the 28th anniversary of the Slovak National Uprising. Since then, the UFO has become an integral part of the city, providing the best panoramic view of Bratislava.

PAfter the entire construction was completed in 1974 the Bystrica Café opened at the top of the pylon and remained open to the public until 2003. During this period, the café was a popular spot with a view of Bratislava, ideal for family gatherings and romantic dinners.

In 2003, a two-year reconstruction of the interior spaces commenced, resulting in the modernisation of the restaurant and the opening of the observation deck to the public.

The SNP Bridge is the first asymmetric, single-pylon, cable-stayed bridge in Slovakia and the second of its kind in the world. Its construction used cutting-edge technologies that later inspired the construction of the Vanšu tilts bridge in Riga.

In 2001, the SNP Bridge was declared the Slovak Building of the Century in the category of bridge structures.On 16 May 2018, it was officially designated a national cultural monument.