Slovak Radio Building | Sights in Bratislava
The Slovak Radio Building is an easy building to recognize, and it is a prominent feature in Bratislava. It is known in Slovak as Budova Slovenského rozhlasu. The building’s unconventional design often attracts much attention from visitors. Its shape is that of an inverted pyramid, and this unique form is a well-known example of socialist modernist architecture. The construction of this remarkable building was completed in 1983. It reaches a height of 80 meters, so it is quite tall. Its steel frame and dark exterior give it a distinctive appearance, and this stands in contrast to more traditional buildings. It is a true landmark of the city.
The building serves a vital function in the country, for it houses Rozhlas a televízia Slovenska. This is the national public radio broadcaster. It has been the home of Slovak Radio since its completion. The interior is just as unique as the exterior, for it contains a large concert hall. This hall also features one of the largest concert organs in Europe. Over the years, there have been several opinions about the building, and it was once named one of the ugliest in the world. Regardless of personal opinions, it remains a significant and unmissable landmark. It is a key part of the Slovak capital’s skyline.
Slovak Radio Building: A Bit of History
The story of the Slovak Radio Building began with an architectural competition, and this was held in the 1960s. The winning design for a new headquarters was submitted by a team of architects. This team included Štefan Svetko, Štefan Ďurkovič, and Barnabáš Kissling. Their concept of an inverted pyramid was ambitious, and it was also technically challenging. As a result, the construction process was very long and complex. The project was one of the most significant architectural undertakings in Czechoslovakia during that period. The engineers pushed the boundaries of technology at the time, and the building slowly took shape.
Construction of the building began in 1967, but it would take 16 years for the project to be completed. The unique steel frame structure was assembled on the ground first. It was then slowly raised into its final, inverted position. The building was finally inaugurated in 1983, and it immediately became a topic of discussion. It was praised by some for its innovative design, but it also faced criticism for its monumental scale and high cost. It has remained a controversial but iconic building ever since. In 2017, it was declared a national cultural monument, so its architectural significance is officially recognized.
Slovak Radio Building: How to get there?
The Slovak Radio Building is located a short walk up north from the Old Town of Bratislava. The closest tram stop is Slovenská technická univerzita (STU), and the trams from here will connect you with most of Bratislava. The building is situated on a major road, Mýtna ulica, and it is very close to Námestie Slobody. The Episcopal Summer Palace is also nearby, so the area has many landmarks. Its unique and unmistakable shape makes it very easy to spot from a distance. You will likely see it while exploring the areas just outside of the historic city center, for it is a prominent feature. Finding this architectural icon is therefore a simple task for any visitor.
Looking to Explore More of Bratislava and Slovakia?
This post was first published 2017-01-03 and was updated 2025-08-01
Whoa, this looks remarkably like a building we saw in China during the 2010 Shanghai World Expo – the China Pavilion looked almost exactly like this with the same inverted pyramid shape. It was even bright red. Kinda looks like maybe they copied the Slovak Radio Building.
I actually quite like the geometry of it’s form, and it’s inverted shape. May not be pretty but it certainly does stand out 🙂 It would be interesting to photograph it…
Nice post! I wouldn’t agree with the Telegraph and say its the ugliest buildings i’ve ever seen, but its definitely not one of the nicest! I like how you included the map, very helpful!
What an interesting building! Is there a practical reason for the design or is it just for looks?
That is a question that we would love to have an answer to as well 🙂
I had seen pyramid shaped building so far. This is the first inverted pyramid shaped building. There must be a balancing act in constructing such buildings.
I have to agree with Telegraph. It does look like an ugly building. But how they managed to construct such an inverted pyramid is beyond me?
I too loved the inverted Pyramid design!
Also, you have taken very well snaps which do justice to the building otherwise I have seen people who take bad pictures how much ever beautiful the location is!
Thanks for sharing. Shared it ahead 🙂
I think the building looks great .I was thinking what made the architect decided to make something like that.
I’m not sure but I think i saw same structure like that, just don’t remember where. .sigh!
Very interesting shape, I thought I was upside down for a minute there, ha! 😉
A unique design we must say. You may love it or hate it but you cannot ignore such radical designs and architecture. You would have to stop and look at it. Such design ideas are generally used to a great extent in the field of marketing to grab people’s attention. 🙂 🙂
Wow!Such an innovative and creative piece of architecture, never seen such construction. The inverted pyramid design is so unique. The structure seems to mock at all norms of building and architecture.
I guess it is kind of an ugly building but it is also pretty cool looking at the same time. I thinks it is something tourists would appreciate more than locals. That seems to be the case with a lot of weird looking buildings around the world.
I don’t think it looks ugly at all! I think its unique and stands out. I really like its architecture and now I know a little bit about its history.
I must say, that I don’t agree with the Telegraph. I’ve seen many uglier constructions. This building is really strange but also remarkable. If you see it, you’ll never forget it, that’s for sure.
This inverted pyramid building does look really curious. Is there a ticket to get inside? Can we find some food nearby?
I don’t think that it is open to the public, sadly. There are several restaurants within a short walking distance. 🙂
I spent just a day in Bratislava but that has been my most memorable visit. Lots to see during the walking tour there. This one is really a landmark. I remember some quirky statues there.
I quite like the building and its not ugly at all. I am sure that it is one of the landmarks in the city. Nice post.
Actually it is a building most miss, mainly due to the fact that there are more prominent landmarks such as the Bratislava Castle. 🙂
Wow! I’ve never been to Slovakia and didn’t know they had buildings with such design! I liked the explanations and the pictures! Thanks for the recommendations 🙂 Best travel! E
I would really love to visit Slovakia and Bratislava, hopefully this year!
It is funny that it was considered one of the ugliest building (though can we really blame them?), because there was also a building in Bucharest that was considered both the best and the ugliest. Buildings liek this usually bring a lot of different opinions.
This is a fascinating piece of architecture, and one I didn’t know about! Had the chance to go to Bratislava, but sadly had to give it a miss. Definitely making sure I check this place out when I finally go!