Bratislava

Coat of Arms of Bratislava Region

Boii Biatec 1st. cen BC 2940416

Gerulata

Peter Johann Nepomuk Geiger - Battle of Pressburg

OSM.Bratislava.2009-08-21

Bratislava is the capital city and the largest city of Slovakia. It is located in the southwest of the country, lying at the foot of the Little Carpathians and occupying both banks of the River Danube. Bratislava borders two countries, Austria and Hungary, making it the only national capital that borders two sovereign states. It is a political, cultural, and economic center of Slovakia, hosting the presidential palace, the National Council of the Slovak Republic, several ministries, and it is the seat of the Bratislava Region.

History

The area around Bratislava has been inhabited since the early Stone Age. The city has a rich history due to its strategic geographical location. It was part of the Celtic Boii kingdom, the Roman Empire, and later the center of the Great Moravian Empire. Following the dissolution of Great Moravia, it became a significant part of the Kingdom of Hungary and it played a major role during the Middle Ages. In the 16th century, Bratislava became the coronation town and the seat of kings, archbishops, and the nobility of the Kingdom of Hungary. The city was known as Pressburg during the Habsburg Monarchy. After the formation of Czechoslovakia in 1918, the city was incorporated into the new state. Following the Velvet Divorce in 1993, Bratislava became the capital of the newly formed Slovak Republic.

Geography

Bratislava is situated in the western part of Slovakia, at the border with Austria and Hungary. The city has a diverse topography, ranging from the flatland of the Danube River plains to the hilly terrain of the Little Carpathians. The climate is a transitional continental climate, with warm summers and cold, humid winters.

Economy

The economy of Bratislava is the strongest and most dynamic in Slovakia. It is a financial center with numerous banks, international companies, and a thriving service sector. The city benefits from its geographic location, skilled workforce, and the presence of several universities and research institutions. Key industries include automotive, information technology, pharmaceuticals, and logistics.

Culture

Bratislava is home to many museums, galleries, theaters, and other cultural institutions. The Bratislava Castle, overlooking the Danube, is a prominent symbol of the city and a key attraction, along with the historic old town, St. Martin's Cathedral, and the Slovak National Theatre. The city hosts several annual festivals, including the Bratislava Music Festival and the Bratislava International Film Festival.

Education

The city is an educational hub, with numerous high schools, colleges, and universities. The most notable institutions include Comenius University, the largest university in Slovakia, and the Slovak University of Technology. These institutions play a crucial role in the research and development activities in the region.

Transportation

Bratislava has a comprehensive public transportation network, including buses, trams, and trolleybuses. The Bratislava Airport serves as a major gateway for international travel, while the city's location on the Danube River makes it an important port for river traffic. The city is also a significant road and railway junction.

See Also

• History of Slovakia
• Geography of Slovakia
• Economy of Slovakia
• Culture of Slovakia
• Education in Slovakia