Bratislava

Bratislava, The largest city and the Capital of Sloavkia, is a major center for industry and culture. It lies in the south-West close to the borders of Hungary and Austria. The Danube river flows through the center of the city. It has many similarities with Budapest and Vienna and is still relatively un-discovered by western tourists.

The old city boasts the magnificent Bratislava Castle and many museums including the Municipal Museum, Slovak National Museum, Museum of Folk Music, Museum of Wine Production and the Slovak National Gallery. The Slovak National Theatre hosts opera productions the equal of any in europe.

Bratislava is situated in the southwest of Slovakia and is among the warmest parts of Slovakia. The symbol of the city, Bratislavský castle, towers 885 meters over the river Danube. Today, the castle houses the reception rooms of the Slovak National Council and Government while the presidential palace is the magnificent Grassalkovich palace. The castle is easily recognizable by it's upside-down table shape. The castle is first mentioned in several records from the beginning of the 10th century. Sometimes, exhibitions of the Slovak National Museum are hosted there, displaying various archaeological and historical exhibits.

Quite close to this - only ten kilometres away, on the confluence of the Danube and the Moravia - is situated the second castle - Devin, one of the best preserved castles in Europe, until Napoleon's soldiers conquered it in 1809.

The city's museums include The Slovak National Museum, the Museum of Slovak Folk Music, Museum of Wine and the Slovak National Gallery. The city has a lot history behind it, dating back to the fifth century. At that time, the first Slovanic tribes arrived in this area. They formed their own principality which soon gave rise to the Great Moravian Empire of the 9th century. In l29l Bratislava become a free royal town. Now it's the administrative, political and economic centre of Slovakia.

The city offers many opportunities to enjoy your free time. Popular locations include the baths at Gold Sands or the banks of Rye's island (Zitny Ostrov) that is situated quite close to the city and is actually the largest island inside of Central Europe.

Bratislava is a town with a lot for young people, with many discos, clubs and cinemas. You can also enjoy some theatre at the SND containing the Small Stage, The New Stage, The Studio of the New Stage, The Studio S, The Slovak Philharmonic and the Concert Hall of 'B.' which hosts traditional trade fairs (which took place for the first time in l923). The best known are the Incheba of chemical industry, Coneco and Flora Fairs. Also the following cultural events have firm roots in B. - the Bienale and B. Music Festival.