Bratislava
Slovak capital on the Danube River
Bratislava is the capital city of the Slovak Republic. It lies on the Danube river between the cities of Vienna and Budapest. It is situated in the south-westernmost end of Slovakia, directly at the border with Austria, and near the border with Hungary. With its population of some 500 thousand inhabitants, Bratislava is the biggest city in Slovakia.nIt is a convenient scenic stop-over for travellers between Budapest and Prague, and also an ideal destination for a half-a-day trip for those, who are staying in Vienna, which is only 1 hour away.
Bratislava is domineered by its magnificent castle (formerly a fortress, and military barracks), which gained its current look in 1960s.nOf course, Bratislava is a symbol and the main centre of Slovak national revival. It is also one the first European cities, which has seen electrification (e.g. trams, or railways), and a number of other technical advances.nToday´s name of the city came into existence in 1919 after Slovakia (also known as Upper Hungary) joined Bohemia, Moravia, and Silesia to form Czechoslovakia.nAfter the split of Czechoslovakia, Bratislava became the capital city of the newly created Slovak Republic in 1993 embarking onto the new route to Slovak national identity.nWe recommend to allow half a day for a day trip up to 2 days to visit Bratislava, which can offer a number of sights, cultural venues, museums and other activities and events.nWe recommend to visit the historical centre with a complex of buildings known as the Old Town Hall (now a museum), Michael´s Gate (the only remaining gate within the town fortification walls), the baroque Grasalkovic Palace (today´s seat of the Slovak president). The Bratislava Castle situated on the plateau 85 metres above the town (former seat of the Hungarian part of Austria-Hungary Empire) belongs to the biggest attractions of Bratislava, too.