The network will be activated when the Slovak weather service forecasts extreme heat.
Extreme heat is becoming a more regular feature of summers in Bratislava. The city says climate change is bringing increasingly frequent heatwaves, which can pose health risks, particularly for people who are ill, elderly or living alone.
In response, Bratislava has launched a pilot network of more than 30 cooling centres called Cool Down! (Ochlaď sa!).
The network brings together city boroughs, municipal organisations and private-sector partners. According to the city, each location will provide an air-conditioned space, seating, drinking water and access to a toilet.
Some centres will also offer Wi-Fi, books, board games and children's corners, while drinking fountains are available at several locations. An online map published by the city shows participating venues. Blue markers indicate centres open fewer than seven days a week, while green markers indicate those open every day.
