Bratislava is a major city in Europe, the magnificent capital of Slovakia. The area is 368 square kilometers. This is the only capital of the world that is adjacent to two states - Hungary and Austria. In 1993, after the formation of the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Bratislava becomes the capital of an independent Slovak state.
Bratislava and its historical center are very compact. In order to get acquainted with all the sights, half a day is enough. The capital of Slovakia is the most beautiful city in Europe. Bratislava was the capital of Hungary from 1536 to 1784. The main attraction of the city is Bratislava Castle, which is located above the left bank of the Danube. The first mention of the City refers to the nine hundred and seventh year of our era.
Even in Roman times, the first fortification appeared in the place where the Morava River flows into the Great Danube. After the fall of Moravia, the fortress lost its importance, but in the thirteenth century it was still able to play an important role in the clash between Austria and Hungary. Later, the castle was blown up by the Napoleonic army, and since then no one has restored it.
The capital of Slovakia has many historical, cultural and architecturalmonuments. If you have visited the country for the first time, then you should definitely see the Archbishop's Palace in Bratislava, built in 1778 for Cardinal Bathani by the architect Gefer. The palace is rightfully considered one of the examples of classical architecture.
White-pink walls are decorated with marble sculptures and a cast-iron hat, a symbol of the archbishop's power. The interior decoration of the palace is quite modest, but there are unique works of art here. In the palace you can see portraits of representatives of the Habsburg dynasty and Maria Theresa.
In addition, here you can see a unique collection of luxurious English tapestries created by Flemish weavers. During the offensive of the Napoleonic army, the tapestries were carefully hidden and presented to the public only after a hundred years. Of great interest to visitors is the Mirror Hall. Currently, the palace is the residence of the mayor of Bratislava.
Slovakia, whose capital is the youngest in Europe, despite its historical age, is very proud of the Grassalkovich Palace - the current residence of the President of Slovakia. It is sometimes referred to as the "Slovak White House". The luxurious snow-white palace was built in 1760 for Count Grassalkovich, the Minister of Finance and Economy of Austria-Hungary.
Court balls and concerts were often held in the palace. The great Franz Joseph Haydn often presented his works here. The building was built in the Rococo style with some late Baroque elements. The interior of the palace is richly decorated. The facade is fenced with a forged fence.
Sights of Bratislava are very important for Slovaks. All of them are protected by the state and the law. Ordinary citizens also provide all possible assistance in the protection of historical monuments.
In Bratislava, all tourists try to see the current Catholic Cathedral. It was built in the thirteenth century. Its current layout dates back to 1849. This is a major spiritual center of the country. In the past, coronations were held in this temple. After numerous reconstructions, the cathedral retained elements of the Gothic style.
The capital of Slovakia has seen a lot in its lifetime. Despite the obvious changes that have appeared in the city in recent years, it has retained a certain mystery and medieval atmosphere.
