Antická Gerulata and the Danube floodplain forests give Rusovce two distinct features: Roman archaeology on the one hand and a protected river landscape on the other. Historic churches also add to the area’s history. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, you can shape your trip around culture, nature or a combination of both.
Antická Gerulata and Roman history
Antická Gerulata was inscribed in 2021 as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Frontiers of the Roman Empire – Danube Limes, Western Segment”. Rusovce was designated a protected heritage zone on 1 October 1990. The area is an important archaeological site and documents settlement from prehistoric times to the present day.
The Antická Gerulata exhibition presents the history of the fort and the lives of its inhabitants, primarily through archaeological finds discovered there. Virtuálna Gerulata complements this topic with a virtual 3D model of the fort, featuring a tour mode and a game mode.
Park and landscape by the Danube
The historic park at Rusovský kaštieľ gives way to floodplain forests along the Danube. Rusovský park stretches between a branch of the Danube and Balkánska cesta. The manor house stands in the northern part of an English-style park; its little towers rise in the Neo-Gothic style behind the Roman camp.
The cadastral area of Rusovce extends into the Dunajské luhy Protected Landscape Area. The Dunajské luhy Natura 2000 site also includes Rusovce and represents the main course of the Danube and its left bank with floodplain forests. The natural aquatic habitats there provide suitable conditions for several waterbird species to breed. The natural landscapes of Rusovce also include Rusovské rameno; Rusovce is considered a popular and frequently visited recreation area.
Churches and historic traces
The Church of St Mary Magdalene was built in 1662; based on older materials, the origins of the Church of St Vitus are dated to 1613. Pilgrims travelling on to the Chapel of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross in Zeiselhof stopped at the Pietà statue in Rusovce. The ensemble of the Column of the Most Holy Trinity in Rusovce dates from 1748.
The original grounds of the well-known Hugo méntelep riding school have also largely been preserved. Together with the protected heritage zone and Gerulata, this trace adds to the picture of a local history extending from prehistoric times to more recent periods.
Plan festivals and your journey
The Roman Games is an annual festival in Rusovce. Its Roman-themed programme includes workshops, films, talks and historical activities. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the dates for the relevant edition.
You can reach the Antická Gerulata site from central Bratislava by bus routes 90, 91 and 191, or by bicycle via the embankment leading from the city centre. Rusovce is a suitable stop for cyclists who want to explore the remains of the Gerulata fort. Check the timetable before travelling; public transport routes may change.
Discover more destinations: Bratislava - Devín, Bratislava, Jarovce
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