Most Apollo | Sights in Bratislava

Most Apollo is one of three bridges that connect the center of Bratislava with the large residential district of Petržalka on the other side of the Danube River. The other two central bridges are the famous Most SNP, also known as the UFO Bridge, and the historic Starý Most, or the Old Bridge. For a time, Most Apollo was the newest of these three bridges, and it stands as a symbol of the city’s modern development in the early 21st century. In addition to these three, there are also two major highway bridges that cross the river nearby. A bit upstream is Most Lafranconi, and a bit downstream is the busy Prístavný most.

The bridge is a significant piece of modern architecture, and it is known for its unique and innovative design. It features a massive, arched main pylon that leans over the river, and its steel structure is both elegant and powerful. The bridge was even nominated for the prestigious American Society of Civil Engineers award for Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement in 2006, making it the only European project to be a finalist that year. At night, the entire structure is beautifully illuminated, and it creates a striking reflection on the waters of the Danube. The bridge is a key part of Bratislava’s contemporary skyline, and it represents the city’s forward-looking spirit.

Most Apollo: A Bit of History

The construction of the bridge began in 2003, and it was officially opened to the public in September 2005. The name Apollo is derived from the old oil refinery that once stood on the left bank of the Danube River, and the bridge is located in the area of this former industrial plant. The Apollo corporation was established in 1895, and it took its name from Greek mythology. This refinery was a major industrial enterprise in the city for many decades, and it played a key role in the local economy. The plant was an important part of the industrial landscape of old Pressburg, as Bratislava was then known.

The refinery processed oil from various sources, and these included the Russian Caucasus, Polish Galicia, and Romania. It also refined domestic oil from the Gbely oil fields in western Slovakia. The plant was heavily damaged by Allied bombing raids during World War II, and it was eventually completely closed in 1963. Its successor is the modern Slovnaft refinery, which is located a bit further down the river. The name of the bridge serves as a permanent reminder of this important chapter in the city’s industrial history, and it connects the modern structure with the past of its location.

Most Apollo: How to Get There?

You will easily find Most Apollo by walking from the Old Town, for it is a prominent landmark on the river. The best way to reach it is to follow the riverfront promenade downstream along the Danube. This pleasant walk will take you past the Eurovea shopping center, and you will see the bridge’s massive arch ahead of you. The bridge is located just east of the Starý Most (Old Bridge). It is a key part of the city’s main ring road, so it is always busy with traffic. There are dedicated lanes for pedestrians and cyclists on both sides of the bridge, so you can safely walk or cycle across it. A crossing offers excellent views of the river and the city skyline.

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This post was first published 2017-03-21 and was updated 2025-07-31