BRATISLAVA

 

Bratislava is 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 who lived together in peace and harmony. There is a saying that a true 'Pressburgian' speaks four languages: Slovak, German, Hungarian and Mishmash. Even as recently as the 1980s you might hear how older Pressburgians in the street would say two words in German, two in Hungarian and two in Slovak all in the space of one sentence. That is what we mean by "mishmash".

 

 

Bratislava's location on the banks of the River Danube and at the crossroads of ancient trading routes right at the heart of Europe predestined it to become a meeting point of various cultures. It was the home of the Celts, the Romans, and the Slavs ... 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.

 

 

 

 

The rich mix of cultures and nations not only left its mark in the language spoken here, but also in the customs, cuisine and lifestyle. Just like the Viennese, the 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. Visitors say that the city has a relaxed Mediterranean type atmosphere. Bratislava is a seaside city without the sea.

 

 

 

Bratislava Castle



The castle building dates to 10th century and is situated on a relatively separated hill of Carpathian mountains in Staré mesto district (The Old Town). The hill used to be the boarder of the Roman Empire. The building itself includes 4 towers (one on each corner) and a courtyard where there is an 80m deep water well. The Crown Tower in the south-west is the the biggest among them, it dates back to the 13th century, and it housed the Hungarian crown jewels for two centuries. Fragments of old Gothic and Renaissance construction can still be spotted on the outside walls and inside corridors.
To the east of the main entrance, a walled up entrance gate from the 16th century can be seen. Behind the entrance, there is an arcade corridor and then the big Baroque staircase leading to the expositions of the Slovak National Museum (Slovenské národné múzeum). In the left part of the southern part of the building, there are 4 halls of the Treasure Chamber (opened in 1988) which present a collection of the most precious archaeological findings and other objects found in Slovakia. Among the artifacts, visitors can see a prehistoric statue called the Venus of Moravany. The 3rd floor offers the exposition named History of Slovakia.
The 1st floor in the southern part of the building houses the rooms of Slovak parliament - the National Council of the Slovak Republic - including parts of furniture from the 16th century. The Council has 150 seats. The main parliament building is situated next to the Bratislava Castle on the castle hill. In the northern part of the building- the former Baroque chapel, visitors will find the Music Hall in which concerts are held. The courtyard includes the entrance to the Knights Hall.
The last large reconstruction in Baroque style took place under the reign of Maria Theresia (1740-1780). In 1811, the castle burnt down and only ruins were left. It was reconstructed in 1956-68. Bratislava Castle is an important landmark Of the Slovak capital and a National Cultural Monument.


 

 

 

 

 

Nowadays Bratislava is experiencing a boom once more. Buildings are popping up, deals being made, people studying, and everything is on the move. Experts regard it as one of the most dynamically developing and most prospective regions in Europe. It welcomes tourists, business people, and investors, who are attracted to this blooming city and its lively atmosphere. There are many cities in Europe that can boast their own special unique charm, and Bratislava is definitely one of them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bratislava has accommodation for everyone, whatever the budget. More than 70 accommodation facilities provide services of various categories and standards. The more costly ones are in the city centre, many of which are right in the pedestrian zone. More economical guesthouses and hostels can still be found in the centre, however. Students, young people, and others, will definitely appreciate the wide array of smaller guesthouses and youth hostels in the city. During the summer many of the student dormitories also offer accommodation in Bratislava. If you really want to relax, you can use any of the hotels and guesthouses on the outskirts of the city: the centre is never far away, and you have the possibility of going horse-riding, playing tennis, or just taking a forest walk. The tourist boom in Bratislava has also reflected in the occupancy level of hotels, so we recommend you book well in advance.