Slovak National Theatre in Bratislava

An Afternoon in Bratislava

History of Bratislava

Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, was founded by the Celts in the 2nd century BC.  Being close to the Austria Hungarian border, Bratislava was subject to many power struggles.  Bratislava served as capital of Hungary from 1574-1784 during the Ottoman rule before the Austro-Hungary Monarchy reigned.

In the early 1900’s the Czechs and Slovaks declared the creation of Czechoslovakia and Bratislava became a part of this country.  After World War II, Czechoslovakia fell under communist rule.  The new country Slovakia was created in 1993.

Bratislava, with a population of 450,00, is Slovakia’s largest city.  It occupies both banks of the Danube River.  The city’s lovely Old Town, that is easily walkable, is on the north side of the river.

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