Right in the heart of Bratislava is the neoclassical Primate’s Palace (Primaciálny Palác), built for Archbishop József Batthyány, from 1778 to 1781 after the design of architect Melchior Hefele. This architectural jewel is where Napoleon signed the Peace of Pressburg in 1805 in the Palace’s Hall of Mirrors after the Battle of Austerlitz. As a result of the Peace of Pressburg, the Holy Roman Empire was dissolved, and Emperor Francis II proclaimed himself Emperor Francis I of Austria.

The Old Roman apostolate in Slovakia is privileged to offer Mass regularly including on Sundays in the chapel of the palace and has already made history for hosting the first ordinations in the Tridentine Rite since the Second Vatican Council, conferred by ✠Jerome. There are few options for Catholics to attend the traditional Latin Mass and the work of our apostolate is hopeful to draw those perturbed by the current attitude of the Roman hierarchy.

The palace also contains a rare collection of English tapestries from the 17th century. They were produced at the royal tapestry works in the English town of Mortlake, but were only rediscovered during a reconstruction in 1903. The exquisite fountain of St George, depicting the legendary knight slaying the dragon, stands in the square inner courtyard of the Primate’s Palace. According to one legend the figure of St George represents the archbishop, and his fight with the dragon symbolises the efforts of the Catholic Church to banish the Reformation from the city.

Recently the pastor of the apostolate in Bratislava, Revd Dr Adam Sýkora sung a Requiem Mass & Absolution in the chapel for the repose of the soul of Andrej Kovarik with family and friends in attendance.