Bratislava
is the capital of Slovakia, and the country's largest city, with a
population of some 450,000, while the population of the entire
metropolitan area is around 600,000. Bratislava is the political, cultural
and economic centre of Slovakia. It is the seat of the Slovak presidency,
the parliament and government, as well as home to several universities,
museums, theatres, galleries and other important economic, cultural and
educational institutions. Most of Slovakia's large businesses and
financial institutions are headquartered in Bratislava. The city's history
has been strongly influenced by various peoples, including Slovaks,
Germans, Hungarians, Czechs, Austrians and Jews.
Bratislava still retains
its cosmopolitan spirit. It hosts many festivals and trade shows and is
famous for its night life and leisure facilities.Bratislava straddles both banks of the Danube River, at
Slovakia's borders with Austria and Hungary, and is only an hour's drive
from the border with the Czech Republic. It is the only national capital
in the world which borders two countries. The Carpathian mountain range
begins within the territory of the city with the Little Carpathians
(Slovak: Malé Karpaty). Bratislava is only 50 km
(30 miles) from the Austrian capital Vienna.
Martins dom and Old centre
Hotel Carlton
Bratislavais one of the youngest capitals in
Europe
and few people know that during the time it was called Pressburg or
Pozsony it was one of the most important cities in the Austro-Hungarian
Empire. It was a mixing pot of various nations and nationalities.
The reign of Maria Theresa is regarded as a golden era in the city’s
history. She was crowned Queen of Hungary in St. Martin’s cathedral in
Pressburg, just like the 10 other kings and 8 royal partners over the
course of 300 years when Pressburg was in fact the capital of the Kingdom
of Hungary.
Bratislava
’s location on the banks of the River Danube. People of
Bratislava
also enjoy promenading through the streets of the city centre, taking time
out for a coffee in any of the many cafes. This part of the city is
referred to as the Korzo and combines elegance with charm.
Devín Castle is a castle in Devín, which is a part
of Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Thanks to its strategic
position, the cliff (altitude of 212 meters) at the confluence of the
Danube and Morava rivers was an ideal place for a fort. Its owner could
control the important trade route along the Danube as well as one branch
of the Amber Road. That is why the site has been settled since the
Neolithic and fortified since the Bronze and Iron Age. Later, both the
Celts and the Romans built strong fortresses there. In the Roman ruins,
the first Christian church located North of Danube has been identified.
