Communism Free Tour
Join our Communism tour and find out about how life was the life behind the Iron Curtain!
People in Slovakia remember this period with mixed feelings and viewpoints. Some with nostalgia, some with fear and many falling somewhere in the middle. Opinions vary widely depending on age, political affiliation, values, personal experiences and whether you view this period from today’s perspective or from the realities at the time.
All these factors make it a fascinating time in our history which is why we dedicate a whole tour to the socialist period.
From a neutral perspective, we will give you an overview of life during the socialist regime in former Czechoslovakia. You will hear all the controversial stories from daily lives of Slovaks as well as extracts from the high level political games played at the time. We’ll be looking at how the political situation of the country affected the daily life of those who lived through this period. Moreover, you will get an idea of how propaganda and censorship changed literature, art, religion and peoples’ lives in general.
On this tour, we visit and mention Bratislava’s major socialist remnants and architectural traces key to this controversial period including:
- Scenes of Espionage
- Victory Monument Statue
- UFO Bridge
- Slovak National Uprising Square
- Petržalka
- Škodovka Café – famous socialist style café
- Propeller
- Socialist Realism Statues
- Freedom Square
- General Prosecutor’s Office
- Hotel Kyjev
- Pioneers’ Headquarters – Grassalkovich palace
- Pyramid Radio Station
- Slovak National Uprising Monument
- Prior Shopping Mall Building
- Socialist Artwork & Propaganda
- Slavín Memorial – We only see the memorial from the distance
General information
Our guides operate on a tips-only-basis ensuring that they are motivated to deliver entertaining & high quality tours. Therefore, you can choose the price based on your satisfaction and experience.
Smaller groups or solo travellers are welcome to show up on the day without reservation. In order to ensure a great experience for all, groups of over 8 are required to book a tour in advance. In case you are interested in booking a private tour, contact us on office@befreetours.com
Meeting Point
We meet on Hviezdoslavovo námestie by the Statue of Hviezdoslav. It is right next to the Carlton hotel and the U.S. Embassy. Look for our guides holding a black umbrella with an orange “Free Tour” sticker with Be Free Tours logo. Map below: