Bratislava
City
Bratislava's Old Town in the evening from Petržalka. A geographic coordinate system enables every location on the Earth to be specified in three coordinates using mainly a spherical coordinate system. The Old Town of Bratislava (Staré Mesto is the historic center and one of the boroughs of Bratislava, in the Bratislava Region of Slovakia. Petržalka ((Pozsonyligetfalu Engerau is the largest borough of Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia.
Flag Coat of arms
Nickname: Beauty on the Danube
Country	Slovakia
Region	Bratislava
Districts	Bratislava I, II, III, IV, V
Rivers	Danube, Morava, Little Danube
Elevation	134 m (440 ft)
Coordinates	48°08′41″N 17°06′46″E / 48.14472, 17.11278
Highest point	Devínska Kobyla
- elevation	514 m (1,686 ft)
Lowest point	Danube River
- elevation	126 m (413 ft)
Area	367. Slovakia (long form Slovak Republic; Slovak:, long form, is a Landlocked country in Central Europe with a population of over five million The Bratislava Region (Slovak Bratislavský Kraj) is one of the administrative regions of Slovakia. Bratislava I is a district in the city of Bratislava. It is identical with its sole borough Bratislava's Old Town (Staré mestoPressburg - Altstadt Pozsony The Bratislava II is an Okres (district of Bratislava in the Bratislava Region of Slovakia. Bratislava III is an Okres (district of Bratislava in the Bratislava Region of Slovakia. Bratislava IV is an Okres (district of Bratislava in the Bratislava Region of Slovakia. Bratislava V is an Okres (district of Bratislava in the Bratislava Region of Slovakia. The Danube (In Donau from earlier Danuvius, Celtic *dānu, meaning "to flow run" Slovak and Polish Dunaj The Morava (March is a River in Central Europe. It is the most important river of Moravia, which derives its name from it The Little Danube ( Slovak: Malý Dunaj, Hungarian: Kis-Duna, German: Kleine Donau) is a branch of the River The metre or meter is a unit of Length. It is the basic unit of Length in the Metric system and in the International A foot (plural feet or foot; symbol or abbreviation ft or sometimes &prime – the prime symbol) is a non-SI unit Devínska Kobyla (Thebener Kogel is a mountain in the Little Carpathians, within the territory of Bratislava, Slovakia, between the boroughs of The metre or meter is a unit of Length. It is the basic unit of Length in the Metric system and in the International A foot (plural feet or foot; symbol or abbreviation ft or sometimes &prime – the prime symbol) is a non-SI unit The Danube (In Donau from earlier Danuvius, Celtic *dānu, meaning "to flow run" Slovak and Polish Dunaj The metre or meter is a unit of Length. It is the basic unit of Length in the Metric system and in the International A foot (plural feet or foot; symbol or abbreviation ft or sometimes &prime – the prime symbol) is a non-SI unit 584 km² (142 sq mi)
- metro	2,053 km² (793 sq mi)
Population	426,927 (2007-12-31)
- urban	500,000
- metro	600,000
Density	1,161 /km² (3,007 /sq mi)
First mentioned	907
Government	City council
Mayor	Andrej Ďurkovský
Timezone	CET (UTC+1)
- summer (DST)	CEST (UTC+2)
Postal code	8XX XX
Phone prefix	421-2
Car plate	BA
Location in Slovakia
Location in the Bratislava Region
Wikimedia Commons: Bratislava
Statistics: MOŠ/MIS
Website: www.bratislava.sk

Bratislava (Slovak pronunciation (help·info): [ˈbracɪslava], historically known by foreign and alternative names) is the capital of Slovakia, and with a population of about 427,000, the country's largest city. Square Kilometre ( US spelling square kilometer) symbol km2, is a decimal multiple of the SI unit of The square mile is an imperial and US unit of Area equal the area of a square of one statute mile. Square Kilometre ( US spelling square kilometer) symbol km2, is a decimal multiple of the SI unit of The square mile is an imperial and US unit of Area equal the area of a square of one statute mile. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 406 – Vandals, Alans and Suebians cross the Rhine, beginning an invasion of Gallia. Square Kilometre ( US spelling square kilometer) symbol km2, is a decimal multiple of the SI unit of The square mile is an imperial and US unit of Area equal the area of a square of one statute mile. Events By Place Asia Oleg leads the Kievan Rus' in a campaign against Constantinople (see Rus'-Byzantine A city council is a form of Local government, usually covering a City or other Urban area, such as a Town. Andrej Ďurkovský (born 5 September 1958 in Bratislava, Czechoslovakia) is a Slovak politician and member of the Christian Central European Time ( CET) is one of the names of the Time zone that is 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time. UTC+1 is used in the following locations Central European Time West Africa Time Western European Summer Time Central European Summer Time ( CEST) is one of the names of UTC+2 Time zone, 2 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time. UTC+2 corresponds to the following Time zones Eastern European Time Egypt Standard Time Central Africa Time Since 1997, the Slovak car registration plate number (EČV evidenčné číslo vozidla generally takes the form XX-NNNYY, where XX is a two letter code corresponding ARTICLE TEXT BEGINS AFTER THESE COMMENTS - PLEASE READ 1 Please do not edit the lead without reading Slovakia (long form Slovak Republic; Slovak:, long form, is a Landlocked country in Central Europe with a population of over five million ^[1] Bratislava is in the southwest of Slovakia on both banks of the Danube River. The Danube (In Donau from earlier Danuvius, Celtic *dānu, meaning "to flow run" Slovak and Polish Dunaj Bordering Austria and Hungary, it is the only national capital that borders two countries. Austria (Österreich ( officially the Republic of Austria (Republik Österreich Hungary (Magyarország 'mɔɟɔrorsaːg) officially in English the Republic of Hungary ( Magyar Köztársaság, literally Magyar (Hungarian Republic ^[2] It and Vienna are also two of Europe's closest national capitals, at less than 60 kilometres (37 mi) apart. Vienna ( in Wien; see also other names) is the Capital of Austria, and is also one of the nine States of Austria.

Bratislava is the political, cultural and economic centre of Slovakia. Politics of Slovakia takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic Republic, with a multi-party system The Culture of Slovakia is the result of various folk traditions and because of its position in the Central Europe it is also influenced by Austrian German Hungarian and Slavic Slovakia is rapidly becoming a Developed country, with the highest sustained GDP growth in the European Union, reporting 10 It is the seat of the Slovak presidency, the parliament, and the government. This is a list of the Presidents of Slovakia Slovakia (1939-1945 Jozef Tiso (26 October 1939- April 1945 Slovakia since 1993 The The National Council of the Slovak Republic (in Slovak: Národná rada Slovenskej republiky, often just Národná rada, abbr The Government of the Slovak Republic (Vláda Slovenskej republiky is the executive branch of government in Slovakia. It is home to several universities, museums, theatres, galleries and other important economic, cultural, and educational institutions. ^[3] The headquarters of many of Slovakia's large businesses and financial institutions are in Bratislava as well.

The history of the city, long known by the German name Pressburg, has been strongly influenced by various peoples, including Austrians, Czechs, Germans, Hungarians, Jews and Slovaks. Austrians (Österreicher are a nation and an ethnic group originating from the Republic of Austria and its historical predecessor states ( March of Austria, Czechs (Češi ˈt͡ʃɛʃɪ archaic Čechové) are a western Slavic people of Central Europe, living predominantly in the Czech Republic The German people (Deutsche are an Ethnic group, in the sense of sharing a common German culture, descent and speaking the German language as Hungarians (or Magyars, magyarok are an Ethnic group primarily associated with Hungary. PLEASE TAKE NOTE************ } The Slovaks or Slovakians are a western Slavic People that primarily inhabit Slovakia and speak the Slovak language, which is ^[4] The city was the capital of the Kingdom of Hungary under the Habsburg monarchy from 1536 to 1783. The Kingdom of Hungary (short form Hungary) was a considerable state in Central Europe that existed from 1001 to 1918 then from 1919 to 1946 Bratislava was home to the Slovak national movement of the 19th century and to many Slovak, Hungarian and German historical figures. This article discusses the history of the territory of Slovakia. } The Slovaks or Slovakians are a western Slavic People that primarily inhabit Slovakia and speak the Slovak language, which is Hungarians (or Magyars, magyarok are an Ethnic group primarily associated with Hungary. The German people (Deutsche are an Ethnic group, in the sense of sharing a common German culture, descent and speaking the German language as

Contents 1 Etymology 2 History 3 Geography 3.1 Climate 4 Cityscape and architecture 4.1 City 4.2 Bratislava Castle 4.3 Devín Castle 4.4 Rusovce 4.5 Parks and lakes 5 Demographics 6 Government 7 Economy 7.1 Tourism 8 Culture 8.1 Performing arts 8.2 Museums and galleries 8.3 Media 8.4 Sport 9 Education and science 10 Transport 11 Notes 12 References 13 External links 13.1 Images

Etymology

See also: Names of European cities in different languages: B

The first written reference (as Brezalauspurc, another variant is Preslavaspurc) comes from the Salzburg Annals, in relation to the battles between the Bavarians and the Hungarians, fought outside the walls of Bratislava Castle in 907. The Annales Iuvavenses or Annals of Salzburg were a series of Annals written in the 9th and 10th centuries from Salzburg. Battle of Pressburg or Battle of Bratislava refers to a battle fought at Brezalauspurc (today Bratislava in Slovakia) on July 4 907 during Bratislava Castle ( Slovak:, Pressburger Schloss Pozsonyi Vár is the main Castle of Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. ^[5] The castle was probably named after Predslav, third son of King Svätopluk I;^[6] however, Brezalauspurc literally means "Braslav's Castle" and therefore the town was probably named after Braslav, the last military commander of Pannonia, a province in East Francia. Svatopluk I (around 830 - 894 from the House of Mojmír was the prince of the Principality of Nitra (850s - 871 and then the king of Great Moravia (871 Braslav or Bräslav was a Prince of Savia (Southern Pannonia Transsavian Croatia in 880-898/900 vassalaged to the Kingdom of East Francia. Pannonia is an ancient province of the Roman Empire bounded north and east by the Danube, coterminous westward with Noricum and upper Italy, East ( ern) Francia ( Regnum Francorum orientalium) known variously as Francia Orientalis or the Kingdom of the East Franks, was the ^[7] This ancient name reappears under the variant Braslava or Preslava on coins minted by King Stephen I of Hungary and dated around 1000. Saint Stephen I ( Hungarian: I (Szent István) (967/969/975 Esztergom, Hungary – August 15, 1038, Esztergom-Szentkirály ^[8] Later in the Middle Ages, it found its final form in the German name Pressburg and the Slovak name Prešporok derived from it. ^[8][9] Pressburg was used to refer to the city by most English-speaking writers until 1919,^[10] and it is occasionally so used even today. The Hungarians used Pozsony^[9] (spelled Posony before the 19th century) and it is still in use in Hungarian. The Latin name Posonium is derived from the Hungarian. ^[11] Its Hungarian and Latin denominations might have come from the Hungarian name Poson,^[7] or from the name of Božaň, an 11th-century ruler (1053–99) of Bratislava Castle. ^[11] In addition to these names, Renaissance documents called the city Istropolis, meaning "Danube City" in Ancient Greek (for example, see Universitas Istropolitana). The Renaissance (from French Renaissance, meaning "rebirth" Italian: Rinascimento, from re- "again" and nascere The Ancient Greek language is the historical stage in the development of the Hellenic language family spanning the Archaic (c The Universitas Histropolensis (since the 16th century frequently - but incorrectly - referred to as Academia Istropolitana) in Pressburg (today's Bratislava

The current name, Bratislava, has its beginnings in 1837, when Slavist scholar Pavel Jozef Šafárik reconstructed a variant of it (Břetislaw)^[12] from old names, believing that they were derived from that of Bohemian ruler Bretislav I. Pavel Jozef Šafárik ( Safáry / Schaffáry / Schafary / Saf(farik / Šafarík / Szafarzik, Czech Pavel Josef Šafařík Bohemia (Čechy; Bohemia Czechy is a historical region in central Europe, occupying the western two-thirds of the traditional Czech Lands, currently the The name was used for the first time by members of the Slovak movement in 1844 as Bratislav. This article discusses the history of the territory of Slovakia. ^[12] After World War I, non-Slovak representatives attempted to rename the city "Wilson City" after American president Woodrow Wilson in their effort to prevent annexation to Czechoslovakia. World War I (abbreviated WWI; also known as the First World War, the Great War, and the War to End All The President of the United States is the Head of state and Head of government of the United States and is the highest political official in United States by Thomas Woodrow Wilson (December 28 1856—February 3 1924 was the twenty-eighth President of the United States. The Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, was signed on 10 September 1919 by the victorious Allies of World War I on the one hand and by the new Czechoslovakia may also refer to what is now the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The proposal was rejected, and the official name of the city was changed to Bratislava in March 1919, after the city became part of Czechoslovakia. Geographical renaming is the act of changing the name of a geographical feature or area

History

Main article: History of Bratislava

The first known permanent settlement of the area began with the Linear Pottery Culture, around 5000 BC in the Neolithic era. The Neolithic (from Greek νεολιθικός — neolithikos from νέος neos, "new" + λίθος lithos About 200 BC, the Celtic Boii tribe founded the first significant settlement, a fortified town known as an oppidum, and also established a mint which produced silver coins known as biatecs. Celts (ˈkɛlts or /ˈsɛlts/, see Names of the Celts Boii ( Latin plural singular Boius; Greek) is the Roman name of an ancient Celtic tribe, attested at various Oppidum (plural oppida) is a Latin word meaning the main settlement in any administrative area of Ancient Rome. A mint is an industrial facility which manufactures Coins for Currency. Biatec was the name of a person presumably a king who appeared on the Celtic Coins minted by the Boii in Bratislava (the capital of Slovakia ^[13] The area fell under Roman influence from the 1st century AD until the 4th century and formed part of the Limes Romanus, a border defence system. The Roman Empire was the post-Republican phase of the ancient Roman civilization, characterised by an autocratic form of government and large territorial A limes (or the Limes Romanus) was a Border defense or delimiting system of Ancient Rome. ^[14] The Romans introduced grape growing to the area and began a tradition of winemaking, which survives to the present. Viticulture (from the Latin word for Vine) is the Science, production and study of Grapes which deals with the series of Winemaking, or vinification, is the production of Wine, starting with selection of the Grapes and ending with bottling the finished wine ^[15]

The Slavic ancestors of the modern Slovaks arrived between the 5th and 6th centuries during the Migration Period. The Migration Period, also called Barbarian Invasions, or sometimes Völkerwanderung ( German for "wandering of peoples" is the English name ^[16] As a response to onslaughts by Avars, the local Slavic tribes rebelled and established Samo's Empire (623–658), the first known Slavic political entity. Samo (died 658 was a Frankish merchant from the "Senonian country" ( Senonago) probably modern Sens, France. In the 9th century, the castles at Bratislava and Devín were important centres of the Slavic states the Principality of Nitra and Great Moravia. Devín (Theben Dévény originally a separate town at the confluence of the Danube and Morava rivers is now a borough of Bratislava, the capital The Principality of Nitra or Nitrian Principality (Nitrianske kniežatstvo Nitriansko Nitrava is the name for a Slavic polity centered around Nitra Great Moravia (see Name section was a Slavic state that existed in Central Europe from the 9th century to the early 10th century ^[17] The first written reference to the city dates to 907 and is related to the fall of Great Moravia under the attacks of the Hungarians. ^[18]

In the 10th century, the territory of Bratislava (what would later become the Pressburg county) became part of Hungary (called "the Kingdom of Hungary" from 1000) and became a key economic and administrative centre on the kingdom's frontier. Pozsony county was a historic administrative County ( comitatus) of the Kingdom of Hungary. The Kingdom of Hungary (short form Hungary) was a considerable state in Central Europe that existed from 1001 to 1918 then from 1919 to 1946 ^[19] This strategic position destined the city to be the site of frequent attacks and battles, but also brought it economic development and high political status. Bratislava was granted its first known town privileges in 1291 by Andrew III,^[20] and was declared a free royal town in 1405 by King Sigismund of Luxemburg, who also entitled the town to use its own coat of arms in 1436. Andrew III the Venetian (III (Velencei András/Endre Andrija II Ondrej III (c For other nobles of the same name please see Sigismund. Sigismund ( February 14, 1368 – December 9, The Coat of arms of Bratislava (Pressburg (Pozsony has been used since 1436, when Sigismund of Luxembourg granted the town the right ^[21]

The Kingdom of Hungary was defeated by the Ottoman Empire in the Battle of Mohács in 1526. The Ottoman Empire (1299–1923 ( Old Ottoman Turkish: دولتْ علیّه عثمانیّه Devlet-i Âliye-yi Osmâniyye, Late Ottoman and Modern Turkish The Battle of Mohács (mohácsi csata or mohácsi vész/Bane of Mohács; Schlacht bei Mohács Mohačka bitka Мохачка битка/Mohačka bitka Bitka pri Moháči Thereafter the Turks besieged and damaged Bratislava but failed to conquer the city. ^[22] Owing to Ottoman advances into Hungarian territory, Bratislava was designated the new capital of Hungary in 1536, becoming part of the Habsburg (Austrian) monarchy and marking the beginning of a new era. Habsburg Monarchy (alternatively Habsburg Empire) refers to the territories ruled by the Austrian branch of the House of Habsburg, and then by the successor Bratislava became a coronation town and the seat of kings, archbishops (1543), the nobility and all major organisations and offices. Between 1536 and 1830, 11 kings and queens were crowned at St. Martin's Cathedral. The St Martin's Cathedral (Katedrála sv Martina Kathedrale des Heiligen Martin Szent Márton-dóm or Koronázó templom is a Cathedral in Slovakia ^[23] Nevertheless, the 17th century was marked by anti-Habsburg uprisings, fighting with the Turks, floods, plagues and other disasters. ^[24] The Reformation arrived in the second half of the 16th century and found supporters mainly in the urban class. The Protestant Reformation was a reform movement in Europe that began in 1517 though its roots lie further back in time As a result of frequent insurrections against the Catholic Habsburgs, the suburbs were ravaged. The city and the castle were conquered several times by insurgents, then reconquered by the Imperial troops. This period of uprisings ended in 1711 with the signing of the Peace of Szatmár. The Treaty of Szatmár (or the Peace of Szatmár) was signed on April 30, 1711 between Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI, Hungarian Commander-in-Chief ^[25]

Bratislava flourished during the 18th century reign of Maria Theresa of Austria, becoming the largest and most important town in the territory of present-day Slovakia and Hungary. Maria Theresa (Maria Theresia see also names in other languages; May 13, 1717 November 29 1780) was the Archduchess regnant ^[26] The population tripled; many new palaces, monasteries, mansions, and streets were built, and Bratislava was the centre of social and cultural life of the region. ^[27] However, Bratislava started to lose its importance under the reign of Maria Theresa's son Joseph II, especially when the crown jewels were taken to Vienna in 1783 in an attempt to strengthen the union between Austria and Hungary. Heir and co-regent Joseph was born in the midst of the early upheavals of the War of the Austrian Succession. Crown jewels are jewels or artifacts of the reigning royal family of their respective country Vienna ( in Wien; see also other names) is the Capital of Austria, and is also one of the nine States of Austria. Many central offices subsequently moved to Buda, followed by a large segment of the nobility. Buda ( German: Ofen, Croatian: Budim, Slovak / Czech: Budín, Serbian: Будим or ^[28] Bratislava became a centre for the Slovak national movement: in 1783, the first newspaper in Slovak, Presspurske Nowiny (Pressburg Newspaper), and the first Slovak novel were published. This article discusses the history of the territory of Slovakia. ^[29]

The 19th century history of Bratislava was closely tied to the major events in Europe. The Peace of Pressburg between Austria and France was signed in Bratislava in 1805. The Peace of Pressburg refers to four peace treaties concluded in Pressburg (today Bratislava, Slovakia) ^[30] Devín Castle was ruined by Napoleon's French troops in 1809, and Bratislava Castle destroyed by fire in 1811. Napoleon Bonaparte (15 August 1769 – 5 May 1821 was a French military and political leader who had a significant impact on the History of Europe. ^[31] As a reaction to the Revolutions of 1848, Ferdinand V signed the so-called March laws (also called April laws), which included the abolition of serfdom, at the Primate's Palace. From March 1848 through July 1849 the Habsburg Austrian Empire was threatened by revolutionary movements Ferdinand ( April 19, 1793 &ndash June 29, 1875) was Emperor of Austria as Ferdinand I, King of Hungary and Croatia and Archduke The Primate's Palace (Primaciálny palác prímási palota is a neo-Classical palace in Bratislava 's Old Town. ^[32] Industry grew rapidly in the 19th century. The first horse-drawn railway in the Kingdom of Hungary,^[33] from Bratislava to Svätý Jur, was built in 1840. A horsecar was an animal-powered Streetcar or Tram. The first passenger services in the world were started by the Oystermouth Railway in Svätý Jur (Sankt Georgen Szentgyörgy is a small town northeast of Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. ^[34] A new line to Vienna using steam locomotives was opened in 1848. A steam locomotive is a Locomotive powered by Steam. The term usually refers to its use on Railways but can also refer to a "road locomotive" ^[35] Many new industrial, financial and other institutions were founded; for example, the first bank established in present-day Slovakia was founded in 1842. ^[36] The city's first permanent bridge over the Danube, Starý most, was built in 1891. The Starý most (literally Old Bridge, formerly Most Červenej armády, i ^[37]

After World War I and the formation of Czechoslovakia on October 28, 1918, Bratislava was incorporated into the new state despite its representatives' reluctance. The Allies of World War II were the countries officially opposed to the Axis powers during the Second World War. Slovnaft is the largest Oil refinery in Slovakia. It was established in 1957 in Bratislava. World War I (abbreviated WWI; also known as the First World War, the Great War, and the War to End All Czechoslovakia may also refer to what is now the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Events 306 - Maxentius is proclaimed Roman Emperor. 312 - Battle of Milvian Bridge: Constantine Year 1918 ( MCMXVIII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common ^[38] The dominant Hungarian and German population tried to prevent annexation of Bratislava to Czechoslovakia and declared it a free city. However, the Czechoslovak Legions arrived in the city on 1 January 1919, thereby making it part of Czechoslovakia. Czechoslovak Legions ( Československé legie in Czech and Slovak were Czech and Slovak volunteer armed forces fighting together with the Entente powers ^[38] The city immediately became the seat of Slovakia's political organs and organizations, preferred over Martin and Nitra for Slovakia's capital because of its economic importance and its strategic position on the Danube. Martin ( Turčiansky Svätý Martin until 1950 Turócszentmárton German: Turz-Sankt Martin, Latin: Sanctus Martinus / Martinopolis) If you were looking for a chemical see Nitre or Nitro. Nitra ( Neutra ( Nyitra / Nyitria) is a city in western ^[39] On March 27, 1919, the name Bratislava was officially adopted for the first time. Events 196 BC - Ptolemy V ascends to the throne of Egypt. 1309 - Pope Clement V excommunicates Year 1919 ( MCMXIX) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common ^[40]

In 1938, Nazi Germany annexed neighbouring Austria in the Anschluss; later that year it also annexed the still-independent Petržalka and Devín boroughs on ethnic grounds. Nazi Germany and the Third Reich are the common English names for Germany under the regime of Adolf Hitler and the National Socialist German Workers The ( German: "link-up" also known as the, was the 1938 Annexation of Austria into Greater Germany by the Nazi Petržalka ((Pozsonyligetfalu Engerau is the largest borough of Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. ^[41][42] Bratislava was declared the capital of the first independent Slovak Republic on 14 March 1939, but the new state quickly fell under Nazi influence. The Slovak Republic ( Slovak: Slovenská republika) was an independent national Slovak state which existed from 14 March 1939 Events 1489 - The Queen of Cyprus, Catherine Cornaro, sells her kingdom to Venice. Year 1939 ( MCMXXXIX) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. In 1941–1942 and 1944–1945, the new Slovak government expelled most of Bratislava's approximately 15,000 Jews,^[43] with most of them being sent into concentration camps. The Slovak Republic ( Slovak: Slovenská republika) was an independent national Slovak state which existed from 14 March 1939 Internment is the imprisonment or confinement of people commonly in large groups without trial ^[44] Bratislava was bombarded by the Allies, occupied by German troops in 1944 and eventually taken by the Soviet Red Army on April 4, 1945. The Allies of World War II were the countries officially opposed to the Axis powers during the Second World War. The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR was a constitutionally Socialist state that existed in Eurasia from 1922 to 1991 The Red Army ( Russian: Рабоче-Крестьянская Красная Армия R aboche- K rest'yanskaya K rasnaya A rmiya Events 1581 - Francis Drake completes a circumnavigation of the world and is knighted by Elizabeth I. Year 1945 ( MCMXLV) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar ^[41][45] At the end of World War II, most Bratislava Germans were evacuated by German authorities; a few returned after the war, but were expelled under the Beneš decrees. The Beneš decrees is a current popular term (officially they are called Decrees of the President of the Republic - dekrety presidenta republiky) for a series of ^[46]

After the Communist Party seized power in Czechoslovakia in February 1948, the city became part of the Eastern Bloc. George Walker Bush ( born July 6 1946 is the forty-third and current President of the United States. Mikuláš Dzurinda ( (born February 4, 1955 in Spišský Štvrtok, Czechoslovakia) is a Slovakian politician Hviezdoslavovo námestie (literally Hviezdoslav Square) is one of the best-known squares in Bratislava. The Communist Party of Czechoslovakia, in Czech and in Slovak Komunistická strana Československa (KSČ was a political party in Czechoslovakia that existed between During World War II, Czechoslovakia disappeared from the map of Europe. During the Cold War, the term Communist Bloc (or Soviet Bloc) was used to refer to the Soviet Union and countries it either controlled or that were The city annexed new land, and the population rose significantly, becoming 90% Slovak. Large residential areas consisting of high-rise prefabricated panel buildings, such as those in the Petržalka borough, were built. Prefabrication is the practice of assembling components of a Structure in a Factory or other Manufacturing site and Transporting complete Panelák is the colloquial name of blocks of high-rise Panel buildings in the Czech Republic and Slovakia constructed of pre-fabricated pre-stressed The Communist government also built several new grandiose buildings, such as the Nový Most bridge and the Slovak Radio headquarters, sometimes at the expense of the historical cityscape. Nový Most (New Bridge formerly Most SNP - Bridge of the Slovak National Uprising) is a road bridge over the Danube in Bratislava, the capital The Slovak Radio (Slovenský rozhlas is the Slovak national public service radio broadcaster.

In 1968, after the unsuccessful Czechoslovak attempt to liberalize the Communist regime, the city had to suffer Warsaw Pact troops occupation. The Prague Spring ( Czech: Pražské jaro, Slovak: Pražská jar) was a period of political liberalization in Czechoslovakia during The Warsaw Pact (see Nomenclature) was an organization of Communist states in Central and Eastern Europe. Shortly after, the city became capital of the Slovak Socialist Republic, one of the two states of the federalized Czechoslovakia. From 1969 to 1990, the Slovak Socialist Republic ( Slovenská socialistická republika in Slovak; abbreviated SSR) was the official Bratislava's dissidents anticipated the fall of the Communism with the Bratislava candle demonstration in 1988, and the city became one of the foremost centres of the anti-Communist Velvet Revolution in 1989. The Candle Demonstration (sviečková demonštrácia on 25 March 1988 in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, was the first mass demonstration The " Velvet Revolution " (sametová revoluce nežná revolúcia ( November 16 &ndash December 29 1989) refers to a non-violent ^[47]

In 1993, the city became the capital of the newly formed Slovak Republic following the Velvet Divorce. Slovakia (long form Slovak Republic; Slovak:, long form, is a Landlocked country in Central Europe with a population of over five million The dissolution of Czechoslovakia, which took effect on January 1 1993, saw Czechoslovakia split into two separate countries the Czech Republic ^[48] In the 1990s and the early 21st century, the city's economy boomed due to foreign investment. The flourishing city also hosted several important cultural and political events, including the Slovakia Summit 2005 between George W. Bush and Vladimir Putin. The Slovakia Summit 2005 was a summit between George W Bush, the president George Walker Bush ( born July 6 1946 is the forty-third and current President of the United States. Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin (; born 7 October 1952 in Leningrad, USSR; now Saint Petersburg, Russia was the second President of Russia

Geography

Main article: Geography of Bratislava

Bratislava is situated in southwest Slovakia, within the Bratislava Region. Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia, is situated in the Central Europe and in the south-west within Slovakia The Bratislava Region (Slovak Bratislavský Kraj) is one of the administrative regions of Slovakia. Its location on the borders with Austria and Hungary makes it the only national capital that borders two countries. Austria (Österreich ( officially the Republic of Austria (Republik Österreich Hungary (Magyarország 'mɔɟɔrorsaːg) officially in English the Republic of Hungary ( Magyar Köztársaság, literally Magyar (Hungarian Republic It is only 62 kilometres (38. 5 mi) from the border with the Czech Republic and only 60 kilometres (37 mi) from the Austrian capital Vienna. A mile is a unit of Length, usually used to measure Distance, in a number of different systems including Imperial units United States The Czech Republic ( ˈt͡ʃɛskaː ˈrɛpuˌblɪka short form in Česko ˈt͡ʃɛskɔ also called Czechia, Austria (Österreich ( officially the Republic of Austria (Republik Österreich Vienna ( in Wien; see also other names) is the Capital of Austria, and is also one of the nine States of Austria. ^[49]

The city has a total area of 367. 58 square kilometres (141. Square Kilometre ( US spelling square kilometer) symbol km2, is a decimal multiple of the SI unit of 9 sq mi), making it the second-largest city in Slovakia by area (after the township of Vysoké Tatry). The square mile is an imperial and US unit of Area equal the area of a square of one statute mile. Vysoké Tatry (literally High Tatras) informally Mesto Vysoké Tatry (literally The Town of High Tatras) is a town in the High Tatras ^[50] Bratislava straddles the Danube River, which crosses the city from the west to the south-east. The Danube (In Donau from earlier Danuvius, Celtic *dānu, meaning "to flow run" Slovak and Polish Dunaj The Middle Danube basin begins at Devín Gate in western Bratislava. The Danube (In Donau from earlier Danuvius, Celtic *dānu, meaning "to flow run" Slovak and Polish Dunaj Devín Gate or Hainburger Gate (Devínska brána formerly Porta Hungarica in Austria Hainburger Pforte) is a natural gate in the Danube valley at Other rivers are the Morava River, which forms the north-western border of the city and enters the Danube at Devín, the Little Danube, and the Vydrica, which enters the Danube in the borough of Karlova Ves. The Morava (March is a River in Central Europe. It is the most important river of Moravia, which derives its name from it The Little Danube ( Slovak: Malý Dunaj, Hungarian: Kis-Duna, German: Kleine Donau) is a branch of the River The Vydrica (Vödric is a small 17 km long river in south west Slovakia, which originates in the Little Carpathians at about 450 m AMSL Karlova Ves (Karlsdorf Károlyfalu is a borough in western Bratislava and part of the Bratislava IV district located near the southern end of the Little

The Carpathian mountain range begins in city territory with the Little Carpathians (Malé Karpaty). The Carpathian Mountains or Carpathians (Carpaţi Czech, Polish and Slovak: Karpaty; Ukrainian: Карпати The Little Carpathians (Malé Karpaty Kleinen KarpatenKis Kárpátok other translations to English are Lesser Carpathians or - wrongly - Small Carpathians are a low about The Záhorie and Danubian lowlands stretch into Bratislava. Záhorie (Erdőhát is a region in western Slovakia bordered by the Little Carpathians in the east and the Morava River in the west The Serbian lowland is treated under Danube Plain (Serbia The Danubian Lowland or Danube Lowland (Podunajská nížina The city's lowest point is at the Danube's surface at 126 metres (410 ft) AMSL, and the highest point is Devínska Kobyla at 514 metres (1,690 ft). The term above mean sea level ( AMSL) refers to the Elevation (on the ground or Altitude (in the Air) of any object relative to the Devínska Kobyla (Thebener Kogel is a mountain in the Little Carpathians, within the territory of Bratislava, Slovakia, between the boroughs of The average altitude is 140 metres (460 ft). ^[51]

Climate

Bratislava lies in the north temperate zone and has a continental climate with four distinct seasons. Continental climate is a Climate that is characterized by Winter Temperatures cold enough to support a fixed period of Snow cover each Year It is often windy with a marked variation between hot summers and cold, humid winters. The city is in one of the warmest and driest parts of Slovakia. ^[52] Recently, the transitions from winter to summer and summer to winter have been rapid, with short autumn and spring periods. Snow occurs less frequently than previously. ^[53] Some parts of Bratislava, particularly Devín and Devínska Nová Ves, are vulnerable to floods from the Danube and Morava rivers. Devínska Nová Ves (Theben-Neudorf Devinsko Novo Selo Dévényújfalu lit ^[54] New flood protection is being built on both banks. ^[55]

Weather averages for Bratislava
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Year
Average high °C (°F)	2 (36)	4 (40)	10 (51)	15 (60)	20 (65)	23 (75)	26 (79)	26 (79)	21 (71)	15 (59)	7 (45)	3 (38)	15 (58)
Average low °C (°F)	-3 (26)	-2 (28)	1 (35)	4 (40)	9 (49)	12 (55)	14 (58)	13 (57)	10 (51)	5 (42)	1 (34)	-1 (30)	5 (42)
Precipitation cm (inches)	3 (1. In Meteorology, precipitation (also known as one class of hydrometeors, which are atmospheric water phenomena is any product of the condensation of atmospheric 4)	4 (1. 6)	3 (1. 5)	3 (1. 4)	5 (2. 2)	7 (2. 8)	6 (2. 5)	6 (2. 4)	3 (1. 5)	4 (1. 6)	5 (2. 1)	5 (2)	58 (23)
Source: Weatherbase[56] 2007-04-30

Cityscape and architecture

The cityscape of Bratislava is characterized by medieval towers and grandiose 20th century buildings, but has undergone profound changes in a construction boom at the start of the 21st century. ^[57]

City

Most historical buildings are concentrated in the Old Town. Bratislava 's Old Town Hall (Stará radnica régi városháza is one of the oldest stone buildings in Bratislava and the oldest city hall in Slovakia. Hlavné námestie (literally "Main Square" is one of the best known squares in Bratislava. The Old Town of Bratislava (Staré Mesto is the historic center and one of the boroughs of Bratislava, in the Bratislava Region of Slovakia. Bratislava's Town Hall is a complex of three buildings erected in the 14th–15th centuries and now hosts the Bratislava City Museum. Bratislava 's Old Town Hall (Stará radnica régi városháza is one of the oldest stone buildings in Bratislava and the oldest city hall in Slovakia. The Bratislava City Museum (Múzeum mesta Bratislavy abbr MMB is a museum in Bratislava, Slovakia, established in 1868 Michael's Gate is the only gate that has been preserved from the medieval fortifications, and it ranks among the oldest of the town's buildings;^[58] the narrowest house in Europe is nearby. In Bratislava, Slovakia, Michael's Gate is the only gate that has been preserved of the Medieval fortifications and ranks among the oldest town The Bratislava fortifications are the system of fortifications of the city of Bratislava, of which one gate and two sections of walls remain today ^[59] The University Library building, erected in 1756, was used by the Diet (parliament) of the Kingdom of Hungary from 1802 to 1848. ^[60] Much of the significant legislation of the Hungarian Reform Era (such as the abolition of serfdom and the foundation of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences) was enacted there. The Hungarian Reform Era was a period of Hungarian history which saw the abolition of Serfdom and the foundation of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences) The Hungarian Academy of Sciences (in short HAS, in Hungarian Magyar Tudományos Akadémia) was founded in 1825, when Count István Széchenyi ^[60]

The historic centre is characterised by many baroque palaces. Baroque art redirects here Please disambiguate such links to Baroque painting, Baroque sculpture, etc The Grassalkovich Palace, built around 1760, is now the residence of the Slovak president, and the Slovak government now has its seat in the former Archiepiscopal Palace. The Grassalkovich Palace (in Slovak Grasalkovičov palác) or the Presidential Palace ( Prezidentský palác) is a Palace in The Summer Archbishop's Palace or Summer Archiepiscopal Palace (Letný arcibiskupský palác is a Palace in Bratislava which houses the Government ^[61] In 1805, diplomats of emperors Napoleon and Francis II signed the fourth Peace of Pressburg in the Primate's Palace, after Napoleon's victory in the Battle of Austerlitz. Napoleon Bonaparte (15 August 1769 – 5 May 1821 was a French military and political leader who had a significant impact on the History of Europe. Francis II (Franz II Heiliger Römischer Kaiser ( 12 February 1768 &ndash 2 March 1835) was the last Holy Roman Emperor, ruling The Peace of Pressburg refers to four peace treaties concluded in Pressburg (today Bratislava, Slovakia) The Primate's Palace (Primaciálny palác prímási palota is a neo-Classical palace in Bratislava 's Old Town. The Battle of Austerlitz (Bitva u Slavkova also known as the Battle of the Three Emperors, was one of Napoleon's greatest victories effectively destroying the ^[62] Some smaller houses are historically significant; composer Johann Nepomuk Hummel was born in an 18th century house in the Old Town. Johann Nepomuk Hummel or Jan Nepomuk Hummel (14 November 1778 &ndash 17 October 1837 was a Composer and virtuoso Pianist of Austrian

Notable cathedrals and churches include the Gothic St. Martin's Cathedral built in the 13th–16th centuries, which served as the coronation church of the Kingdom of Hungary between 1563 and 1830. See also Gothic art Gothic architecture is a style of Architecture which flourished during the high and late medieval period. The St Martin's Cathedral (Katedrála sv Martina Kathedrale des Heiligen Martin Szent Márton-dóm or Koronázó templom is a Cathedral in Slovakia ^[63] The Franciscan Church, dating to the 13th century, has been a place of knighting ceremonies and is the oldest preserved sacral building in the city. The Franciscan Church (Slovak Kostol františkánov or Františkánsky kostol) ranks among the oldest churches in the Old Town of Bratislava ^[64] The Church of St. Elisabeth, better known as the Blue Church due to its colour, is built entirely in the Art Nouveau style. The Church of St Elisabeth (Kostol svätej Alžbety commonly known as Blue Church ( Modrý kostolík) is an Art Nouveau (Jugendstil Catholic church Art Nouveau ( nu vo anglicised /ˈɑːt nuːvəu/ ( French for 'new art' also known as Jugendstil ( German for 'youth style' is an international

A curiosity is the underground (formerly ground-level) restored portion of the Jewish cemetery where 19th century Rabbi Moses Sofer is buried, located at the base of the castle hill near the entrance to a tram tunnel. Rabbi Moshe Sofer, (Moses Schreiber also known by his main work Chasam Sofer, ( trans ^[65] The only military cemetery in Bratislava is Slavín, unveiled in 1960 in honour of Soviet Army soldiers who fell when liberating Bratislava from German troops. The Vyšehrad cemetery in Prague is also known as Slavín Slavín in Bratislava is a memorial monument and The Red Army ( Russian: Рабоче-Крестьянская Красная Армия R aboche- K rest'yanskaya K rasnaya A rmiya It offers an excellent view of the city and the Little Carpathians. The Little Carpathians (Malé Karpaty Kleinen KarpatenKis Kárpátok other translations to English are Lesser Carpathians or - wrongly - Small Carpathians are a low about ^[66][67]

Other prominent 20th century structures include the Nový Most (New Bridge) across the Danube featuring a UFO-like tower restaurant, Slovak Radio's inverted pyramid-shaped headquarters, and the uniquely designed Kamzík TV Tower with an observation deck and rotating restaurant. Nový Most (New Bridge formerly Most SNP - Bridge of the Slovak National Uprising) is a road bridge over the Danube in Bratislava, the capital The Danube (In Donau from earlier Danuvius, Celtic *dānu, meaning "to flow run" Slovak and Polish Dunaj The Slovak Radio (Slovenský rozhlas is the Slovak national public service radio broadcaster. The Kamzík TV Tower is a 200 metre high television transmission tower in the Koliba area of Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. In the early 21st century, new edifices have transformed the traditional cityscape. The construction boom has spawned new public buildings,^[68] such as the Most Apollo and a new building of the Slovak National Theatre,^[69] as well as private real-estate development. Most Apollo (literally Apollo Bridge, provisionally known as Most Košická during construction after the street leading to it in Bratislava is a The Slovak National Theatre (Slovenské národné divadlo denotes the oldest Slovak professional theatre consisting of 3 ensembles ( Opera, Ballet ^[70]

Bratislava Castle

Main article: Bratislava Castle

One of the most prominent structures in the city is Bratislava Castle, on a plateau 85 metres (279 ft) above the Danube. Bratislava Castle ( Slovak:, Pressburger Schloss Pozsonyi Vár is the main Castle of Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Bratislava Castle ( Slovak:, Pressburger Schloss Pozsonyi Vár is the main Castle of Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Bratislava Castle ( Slovak:, Pressburger Schloss Pozsonyi Vár is the main Castle of Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. The castle hill site has been inhabited since the transition period between the Stone and Bronze ages^[71] and has been the acropolis of a Celtic town, part of the Roman Limes Romanus, a huge Slavic fortified settlement, and a political, military and religious centre for Great Moravia. The Stone Age is a broad prehistoric time period during which Humans widely used stone for toolmaking The term Bronze Age refers to a period in human cultural development when the most advanced Metalworking (at least in systematic and widespread use included techniques for Acropolis (Gr akros akron edge extremity + polis city pl acropoleis Celts (ˈkɛlts or /ˈsɛlts/, see Names of the Celts The Roman Empire was the post-Republican phase of the ancient Roman civilization, characterised by an autocratic form of government and large territorial A limes (or the Limes Romanus) was a Border defense or delimiting system of Ancient Rome. Great Moravia (see Name section was a Slavic state that existed in Central Europe from the 9th century to the early 10th century ^[72] A stone castle was not constructed until the 10th century, when the area was part of the Kingdom of Hungary. A castle is a defensive structure seen as one of the main symbols of the Middle Ages. The Kingdom of Hungary (short form Hungary) was a considerable state in Central Europe that existed from 1001 to 1918 then from 1919 to 1946 The castle was converted into a Gothic anti-Hussite fortress under Sigismund of Luxemburg in 1430, became a Renaissance castle in 1562,^[73] and was rebuilt in 1649 in the baroque style. International Gothic is a phase of Gothic art which developed in Burgundy, Bohemia, France and northern Italy in the late The Hussites were a Christian movement following the teachings of Czech reformer Jan Hus or John Huss (c For other nobles of the same name please see Sigismund. Sigismund ( February 14, 1368 – December 9, The Renaissance (from French Renaissance, meaning "rebirth" Italian: Rinascimento, from re- "again" and nascere Under Queen Maria Theresa, the castle became a prestigious royal seat. List of current queens regnant A queen regnant (plural "queens regnant" is qualifying reference to a female Monarch possessing and exercising all of the monarchal Maria Theresa (Maria Theresia see also names in other languages; May 13, 1717 November 29 1780) was the Archduchess regnant In 1811, the castle was inadvertently destroyed and lay in ruins until the 1950s,^[74] when it was rebuilt mostly in its former Theresan style.

Devín Castle

Main article: Devín Castle

The ruined and recently renovated Devín Castle is in Devín, on top of a rock where the Morava River, which forms the border between Austria and Slovakia, enters the Danube. Devín Castle ( Slovak: hrad Devín or Devínsky hrad, Hungarian: dévényi vár, German: Burg Theben) is a castle Devín Castle ( Slovak: hrad Devín or Devínsky hrad, Hungarian: dévényi vár, German: Burg Theben) is a castle Devín (Theben Dévény originally a separate town at the confluence of the Danube and Morava rivers is now a borough of Bratislava, the capital The Morava (March is a River in Central Europe. It is the most important river of Moravia, which derives its name from it It is one of the most important Slovak archaeological sites, and contains a museum dedicated to its history. ^[75] Due to its strategic location, Devín Castle was a very important frontier castle of Great Moravia and the early Hungarian state. Great Moravia (see Name section was a Slavic state that existed in Central Europe from the 9th century to the early 10th century It was destroyed by Napoleon's troops in 1809. It is an important symbol of Slovak and Slavic history. ^[76]

Rusovce

Rusovce mansion, with its English park, is in the Rusovce borough. Rusovce mansion or Rusovce manor house (Rusovský kaštieľ is a neoclassical mansion located in the Rusovce borough part of Bratislava The term English garden or English park (Jardin anglais Giardino all'inglese Englischer Landschaftsgarten is used in Continental Europe The house was originally built in the 17th century and was turned into an English neo-Gothic-style mansion in 1841–1844. The Gothic Revival is an architectural movement which began ^[77] The borough is also known for the ruins of the Roman military camp Gerulata, part of Limes Romanus, a border defence system. Gerulata was a Roman Military camp located near today's Rusovce, a borough of Bratislava, Slovakia. Gerulata was built and used between the 1st and 4th centuries AD. ^[78]

Parks and lakes

Due to its location at the foothills of the Little Carpathians and its riparian vegetation on the Danubian floodplains, Bratislava has forests close to the city centre. Sad Janka Kráľa (literally Janko Kráľ Orchard/Garden) But former names were (Städtischer Aupark and Hungarian: Városi díszliget) The Little Carpathians (Malé Karpaty Kleinen KarpatenKis Kárpátok other translations to English are Lesser Carpathians or - wrongly - Small Carpathians are a low about "Riparian" redirects here For the legal doctrine see " Riparian water rights. ||-||-||-||-||-||-||-||}A floodplain, or flood plain, is flat or nearly flat land adjacent to a Stream or River that experiences occasional or periodic The total amount of public green space is 46. 8 square kilometres (18. 1 sq mi), or 110 square metres (1,200 sq ft) per inhabitant. ^[79] The largest city park is Horský park (literally, Mountainous Park), in the Old Town. Bratislavský lesný park (Bratislava Forest Park) is located in the Little Carpathians and includes many locales popular among visitors, such as Železná studienka and Koliba. Bratislavský lesný park or Bratislava Forest Park is a "forest park" (actually a forest in Bratislava, Slovakia, located in the foothills Koliba is the name of a locality in Bratislava, Slovakia, which is situated on the foothills of the Little Carpathians. The Forest Park covers an area of 27. 3 square kilometres (10. 5 sq mi), of which 96% is forested, and contains original flora and fauna such as European badgers, red foxes and mouflons. The Red Fox ( Vulpes vulpes) is a Mammal of the order Carnivora. The mouflon ( Ovis orientalis orientalis group is a subspecies group of the wild sheep Ovis orientalis. On the right bank of the Danube, in the borough of Petržalka, is Janko Kráľ Park founded in 1774–76. Sad Janka Kráľa (literally Janko Kráľ Orchard/Garden) But former names were (Städtischer Aupark and Hungarian: Városi díszliget) ^[80] A new city park is planned for Petržalka between the Malý Draždiak and Veľký Draždiak lakes. ^[70]

Bratislava's zoological park is located in Mlynská dolina, near the headquarters of Slovak Television. The ZOO Bratislava (Zoologická záhrada Bratislava is a Zoo in Bratislava, Slovakia, in the borough of Karlova Ves. Mlynská dolina (literally Mill valley before 1894 (Mühlthal Malomvölgy is part of the borough of Karlova Ves in Bratislava, located in the Bratislava The zoo, founded in 1960, currently houses 152 species of animals, including the rare white lion and white tiger. This article is about the band for the big cats see White lion. A white tiger ( Panthera tigris) is a Tiger with a genetic condition that nearly eliminates pigment in the normally orange fur although they still The Botanical Gardens, which belong to Comenius University, can be found on the Danube riverfront, and house more than 120 species of domestic, foreign, and exotic origin. Comenius University in Bratislava (Univerzita Komenského v Bratislave is the largest University in Slovakia, with most of its faculties located in Bratislava ^[81]

The city has a number of natural and man-made lakes, most of which are used for recreation. Examples include Štrkovec lake in Ružinov, Kuchajda in Nové Mesto, Zlaté Piesky and the Vajnory lakes in the north-east, and Rusovce lake in the south, which is popular with nudists. Ružinov (Rosenheim Főrév is a borough of eastern Bratislava. Nové Mesto (meaning New Town) is a borough of Bratislava, in the Bratislava III district Zlaté Piesky (literally Golden Sands) is a Lake and a summer resort in northeastern Bratislava, Slovakia, near the D1 motorway Vajnory (Weinern Pozsonyszől(lős is a small borough in the northeast of Bratislava, Slovakia. Rusovce (Karlburg Oroszvár Rosvar is a borough in southern Bratislava on the right bank of the Danube river close to the Hungarian border Naturism or nudism is a cultural and Political movement advocating and defending social Nudity in private and in public. ^[82]

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Bratislava

See also: List of personalities from Bratislava

2001 census results[83][84][85]
District	Population	Ethnic group	Population
Bratislava I–V	428,672	Slovaks	391,767
Bratislava I	44,798	Hungarians	16,541
Bratislava II	108,139	Czechs	7,972
Bratislava III	61,418	Germans	1,200
Bratislava IV	93,058	Moravians	635
Bratislava V	121,259	Croats	614

From the city's origin until the 19th century, Germans were the dominant ethnic group. This page gives an overview to the demographics of Bratislava. This is an alphabetically sorted list of personalities from Bratislava. } The Slovaks or Slovakians are a western Slavic People that primarily inhabit Slovakia and speak the Slovak language, which is Bratislava I is a district in the city of Bratislava. It is identical with its sole borough Bratislava's Old Town (Staré mestoPressburg - Altstadt Pozsony Hungarians (or Magyars, magyarok are an Ethnic group primarily associated with Hungary. The Bratislava II is an Okres (district of Bratislava in the Bratislava Region of Slovakia. Czechs (Češi ˈt͡ʃɛʃɪ archaic Čechové) are a western Slavic people of Central Europe, living predominantly in the Czech Republic Bratislava III is an Okres (district of Bratislava in the Bratislava Region of Slovakia. The German people (Deutsche are an Ethnic group, in the sense of sharing a common German culture, descent and speaking the German language as Bratislava IV is an Okres (district of Bratislava in the Bratislava Region of Slovakia. This article deals with the modern national/ethnic group For other meanings see Moravian. Bratislava V is an Okres (district of Bratislava in the Bratislava Region of Slovakia. Croats (Hrvati are a South Slavic people mostly living in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and nearby countries ^[9] However, after the Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867, strong Magyarisation took place, and by the end of World War I Bratislava was a German-Hungarian town, with Slovaks as the biggest minority. The Austro-Hungarian Compromise of 1867 (Ausgleich Kiegyezés established the Dual Monarchy of Austria-Hungary. Magyarization (also "Magyarisation" "Hungarisation" "Hungarization" "Hungarianization" "Hungarianisation" is a designator applied ^[9] After the formation of the Czechoslovak Republic in 1918, Bratislava remained a multi-ethnic city, but with a different demographic trend. Independence The independence of Czechoslovakia was proclaimed on October 28, 1918, by the Czechoslovak National The proportion of Slovaks and Czechs increased, while the proportion of Germans and Hungarians fell. In 1938, 59% of population were Slovaks or Czechs, while Germans represented 22% and Hungarians 13% of the city's population. ^[86] The creation of the first Slovak Republic in 1939 brought other changes, most notably the expulsion of many Czechs and Jews. ^[9] In 1945, most of the Germans were evacuated, or after the restoration of Czechoslovakia, displaced from the city, along with the Hungarians accused of cooperation with the Nazis. ^[44] The city thereby lost its multicultural character. ^[44] Hundreds of citizens were expelled during the communist oppression of the 1950s, with the aim of replacing "reactionary" people with the proletarian class. ^[44][9] Since the 1950s, the Slovaks have been the dominant ethnicity in the town, making up around 90% of the city's population. ^[9]

Government

See also: Boroughs and localities of Bratislava and International relations of Bratislava

Bratislava is the seat of the Slovak parliament, presidency, ministries, supreme court (Slovak: Najvyšší súd), and central bank. Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia, is divided into five national administrative districts ( Okres: I, II, III, Bratislava signed The Primate's Palace (Primaciálny palác prímási palota is a neo-Classical palace in Bratislava 's Old Town. The National Council of the Slovak Republic (in Slovak: Národná rada Slovenskej republiky, often just Národná rada, abbr This is a list of the Presidents of Slovakia Slovakia (1939-1945 Jozef Tiso (26 October 1939- April 1945 Slovakia since 1993 The The Slovak language ( slovenčina, slovenský jazyk, not to be confused with Slovenščina) sometimes referred to as "Slovakian" National Bank of Slovakia (Národná banka Slovenska NBS is the Central bank of Slovakia, which is a member of the European Union and the European It is the seat of the Bratislava Region and, since 2002, also of the Bratislava Self-Governing Region. The Bratislava Region (Slovak Bratislavský Kraj) is one of the administrative regions of Slovakia. The city also has many foreign embassies and consulates. A diplomatic mission is a group of people from one State or an international Inter-governmental organization (such as the United Nations) present in

The current local government (Mestská samospráva)^[87] structure has been in place since 1990. ^[88] It is composed of a mayor (primátor),^[89] a city board (Mestská rada),^[90] a city council (Mestské zastupiteľstvo),^[91] city commissions (Komisie mestského zastupiteľstva),^[92] and a city magistrate's office (Magistrát). A mayor (from the Latin māior, meaning "greater" is a modern title used in many countries for the highest ranking officer in a municipal government A city council is a form of Local government, usually covering a City or other Urban area, such as a Town. City Commission government is a form of Municipal government which was once common in the United States, but many cities which were formerly governed by commission A magistrate is a judicial officer In Common law systems a magistrate usually has limited authority to administer and enforce the Law. ^[93]

The mayor, based at the Primate's Palace, is the city's top executive officer and is elected to a four-year term of office. The Primate's Palace (Primaciálny palác prímási palota is a neo-Classical palace in Bratislava 's Old Town. The current mayor of Bratislava is Andrej Ďurkovský, who won the election in 2006 as a candidate of the KDH–SDKÚ coalition and is serving his second term in the office. Andrej Ďurkovský (born 5 September 1958 in Bratislava, Czechoslovakia) is a Slovak politician and member of the Christian The Christian Democratic Movement (Kresťanskodemokratické hnutie (KDH is a Political party in Slovakia. The Slovak Democratic and Christian Union – Democratic Party ( Slovak: Slovenská demokratická a kresťanská únia – Demokratická strana, SDKÚ-DS ^[94] The city council is the city's legislative body, responsible for issues such as budget, local ordinances, city planning, road maintenance, education, and culture. ^[95] The Council usually convenes once a month and consists of 80 members elected to four-year terms concurrent with the mayor's. Many of the council's executive functions are carried out by the city commission at the council's direction. ^[92] The city board is a 28-member body composed of the mayor and his deputies, the borough mayors, and up to ten city council members. The board is an executive and supervisory arm of the city council and also serves in an advisory role to the mayor. ^[90]

Administratively, Bratislava is divided into five districts: Bratislava I (the city centre), Bratislava II (eastern parts), Bratislava III (north-eastern parts), Bratislava IV (western and northern parts) and Bratislava V (southern parts on the right bank of the Danube, including Petržalka, the most densely populated residential area in Central Europe). An okres (in English district) is an administrative unit in Slovakia. Central Europe is the Region lying between the variously and vaguely defined areas of Eastern and ^[96]

For self-governance purposes, the city is divided into 17 boroughs, each of which has its own mayor (starosta) and council. The number of councillors in each depends on the size and population of the borough. ^[97] Each of the boroughs coincides with the city's 20 cadastral areas, except for two cases: Nové Mesto is further divided into the Nové Mesto and Vinohrady cadastral areas and Ružinov is divided into Ružinov, Nivy and Trnávka. A cadastre (also spelled cadaster) is a comprehensive register of the Metes and bounds real property of a country and commonly includes details of Further unofficial division recognizes additional quarters and localities.

	Bratislava's territorial divisions (districts and boroughs)
	Bratislava I	Bratislava II	Bratislava III	Bratislava IV	Bratislava V
	Staré Mesto	Ružinov	Nové Mesto	Karlova Ves	Petržalka
		Vrakuňa	Rača	Dúbravka	Jarovce
		Podunajské Biskupice	Vajnory	Lamač	Rusovce
				Devín	Čunovo
				Devínska Nová Ves
				Záhorská Bystrica

Economy

Main article: Economy of Bratislava

See also: List of tallest buildings in Bratislava

The Bratislava Region is the wealthiest and economically most prosperous region in Slovakia as of 2007, despite being the smallest by area and having the second smallest population of the eight Slovak regions. Bratislava I is a district in the city of Bratislava. It is identical with its sole borough Bratislava's Old Town (Staré mestoPressburg - Altstadt Pozsony The Bratislava II is an Okres (district of Bratislava in the Bratislava Region of Slovakia. Bratislava III is an Okres (district of Bratislava in the Bratislava Region of Slovakia. Bratislava IV is an Okres (district of Bratislava in the Bratislava Region of Slovakia. Bratislava V is an Okres (district of Bratislava in the Bratislava Region of Slovakia. The Old Town of Bratislava (Staré Mesto is the historic center and one of the boroughs of Bratislava, in the Bratislava Region of Slovakia. Ružinov (Rosenheim Főrév is a borough of eastern Bratislava. Nové Mesto (meaning New Town) is a borough of Bratislava, in the Bratislava III district Karlova Ves (Karlsdorf Károlyfalu is a borough in western Bratislava and part of the Bratislava IV district located near the southern end of the Little Petržalka ((Pozsonyligetfalu Engerau is the largest borough of Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Vrakuňa (Fragendorf Vereknye is a borough of Bratislava, Slovakia. Rača (Ratzersdorf Récse is a borough of Bratislava, Slovakia, in the Bratislava III district Dúbravka (Kaltenbrunn (Pozsony -Hidegkút is a borough of Bratislava, Slovakia. Jarovce (Kroatisch-Jahrndorf Hrvatski Jandrof Horvátjárfalu is a small borough of Bratislava, Slovakia. Podunajské Biskupice (1927 - 1944 Biskupice pri Dunaji, before 1927 Biskupice; Bischdorf Pozsonypüspöki is a borough of Bratislava. Vajnory (Weinern Pozsonyszől(lős is a small borough in the northeast of Bratislava, Slovakia. Lamač (Blumenau/Lamatsch Lamacs is the smallest borough of Bratislava, and part of the Bratislava IV district Rusovce (Karlburg Oroszvár Rosvar is a borough in southern Bratislava on the right bank of the Danube river close to the Hungarian border Devín (Theben Dévény originally a separate town at the confluence of the Danube and Morava rivers is now a borough of Bratislava, the capital Čunovo (Čunovo Dunacsún Sarndorf sometimes incorrectly called Čuňovo) is a small part of Bratislava, Slovakia, in the southern area near the Devínska Nová Ves (Theben-Neudorf Devinsko Novo Selo Dévényújfalu lit Záhorská Bystrica Bisternitz Pozsonybeszterce is a borough in northern Bratislava. The Bratislava Region is the wealthiest and economically most important region in Slovakia, despite being the smallest by area and having the second smallest population There are several high-rise buildings in Bratislava over 100 Meters high A high-rise is a tall Building or structure Normally the function of the building is added for example high-rise Apartment building or A central business district ( CBD) is the commercial and often geographic heart of a city The Bratislava Region (Slovak Bratislavský Kraj) is one of the administrative regions of Slovakia. Since 1949 (except 1990-1996, Slovakia has been divided into a number of Kraje ' (singular kraj; usually translated as "Regions" with capital It accounts for about 26% of the Slovak GDP. ^[98] The GDP per capita (PPP), valued at €33,124 (2005), is 147. The purchasing power parity ( PPP) theory uses the long-term equilibrium Exchange rate of two currencies to equalize their Purchasing power. Please update other articles as well to avoid contradiction within Wikipedia e 9% of the EU average and is the second-highest level (after Prague) of all regions in the new EU member states. The European Union ( EU) is a political and economic union of twenty-seven member states, located primarily in Prague (ˈprɑːg Praha (ˈpraɦa see also other names) is the Capital and Largest city of the Czech Republic. ^[99]

The unemployment rate in Bratislava was 1. 83% in December 2007. ^[100] Many governmental institutions and private companies have their headquarters in Bratislava. More than 75% of Bratislava's population works in the service sector, mainly composed of trade, banking, IT, telecommunications, and tourism. Trade is the willing exchange of goods, services, or both Trade is also called Commerce. A banker or bank is a Financial institution whose primary activity is to act as a payment agent for customers and to borrow and lend money Information technology ( IT) as defined by the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA is "the study design development implementation support Tourism is Travel for Recreational or Leisure purposes The World Tourism Organization defines tourists as people who "travel ^[101] The Bratislava Stock Exchange (BSSE), the organiser of the public securities market, was founded on 15 March 1991. Events 44 BC - Julius Caesar, Dictator of the Roman Republic, is stabbed to death by Marcus Junius Brutus, Year 1991 ( MCMXCI) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar. ^[102]

The automaker Volkswagen built a factory in Bratislava in 1991 and has expanded since. ^[103] Currently, its production focuses on SUVs, which represent 68% of all production. A sport utility vehicle ( SUV) is a generic marketing description for a rugged automotive vehicle similar to a Station wagon but built on a light-truck chassis The VW Touareg is produced in Bratislava, and the Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7 are partially built there. The Porsche Cayenne is a five-seat mid-size Sport utility vehicle manufactured by the German automaker Porsche since 2002, with The Audi Q7 is a Full-size luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV produced by German automaker Audi ^[104]

In recent years, service and high-tech-oriented businesses have prospered in Bratislava. High tech is Technology that is at the cutting edge —the most advanced technology currently available Many global companies, including IBM, Dell, Lenovo, AT&T, SAP, and Accenture, have built outsourcing and service centres here or plan to do so soon. International Business Machines Corporation abbreviated IBM and nicknamed "Big Blue", is a multinational Computer Technology The multinational technology company Dell Inc develops manufactures sells and supports Personal computers and other computer-related products Lenovo Group Limited (,) is China's largest and the world's fourth largest Personal computer manufacturer after Hewlett-Packard and Dell of the U Before proposing a merge request please see Talk and see if the merger you propose has recently been made and SAP AG (,) is the largest European Software enterprise and the fourth largest in the world with headquarters in Walldorf, Germany Accenture () is a global Management consulting, Technology services, and Outsourcing company Outsourcing is Subcontracting a process such as product design or Manufacturing, to a Third-party company ^[105] Reasons for the influx of multi-national corporations include proximity to the Western Europe, skilled labour force and the high density of universities and research facilities. Multinational corporation ( MNC) or transnational corporation ( TNC) is a Corporation or enterprise that manages Production or delivers ^[106]

Other large companies and employers with headquarters in Bratislava include Slovak Telekom, Orange Slovensko, Slovenská sporiteľňa, Tatra banka, Doprastav, Hewlett-Packard Slovakia, Slovnaft, Henkel Slovensko, Slovenský plynárenský priemysel, Kraft Foods Slovakia, Whirlpool Slovakia, Železnice Slovenskej republiky, and Tesco Stores Slovak Republic. Slovak Telekom (in the past officially called Slovenské telekomunikácie and Slovak Telecom; the brand used for fixed line products is T-Com since Orange Slovensko is a member of the global communications group Orange. Slovenská sporiteľňa is the largest commercial bank in Slovakia. Tatra banka is a Commercial bank in Slovakia. It was founded in 1990 as the first private bank in Slovakia. Doprastav as is a Slovak construction company which was established in 1953. Slovnaft is the largest Oil refinery in Slovakia. It was established in 1957 in Bratislava. Henkel AG & Co KGaA () is an international company headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany. Slovenský plynárenský priemysel, as (abbr SPP Slovak: literally "Slovak Gas Industry" is a Slovak Natural gas Monopoly. Kraft Foods Inc ( is the second-largest Food and Beverage company headquartered in North America (behind PepsiCo) and the third Whirlpool Corporation ( is a Fortune 500 company and a global manufacturer and marketer of major Home appliances,with annual sales of approximately $18 billion more Železnice Slovenskej republiky (literally Slovak Republic Railways abbr Tesco plc is a British -based international grocery and general merchandising retail chain

The Slovak economy's strong growth in the 2000s has led to a boom in the construction industry, and several major projects have been completed or are planned in Bratislava. Slovakia is rapidly becoming a Developed country, with the highest sustained GDP growth in the European Union, reporting 10 ^[68] Areas attracting developers include the Danube riverfront, where two major projects already under construction: River Park^[107] in the Old Town, and Eurovea^[108] near the Apollo Bridge. Other locations under development include the areas around the main railway and bus stations,^[109] around the former industrial zone near the Old Town^[110] and in the boroughs of Petržalka,^[96] Nové Mesto and Ružinov. It is expected that investors will spend €1. 2 billion on new projects by 2010. ^[111] The city has a balanced budget of almost six billion Slovak korunas (€182 million, as of 2007), with one fifth used for investment. The Slovak koruna (slovenská koruna is the currency of Slovakia since February 8, 1993. ^[112] Bratislava holds shares in 17 companies directly, for example, in the public transport company (Dopravný podnik Bratislava), the waste collection and disposal company, and the water utility. Dopravný podnik Bratislava akciová spoločnosť (literally Public Transport Company Bratislava Ltd Garbage Collection redirects here For the topic as related to computing see Garbage collection (computer science Waste collection is the component of ^[113] The city also manages municipal organisations such as the City Police (Mestská polícia), Bratislava City Museum and ZOO Bratislava. Police are agents or agencies usually of the executive, empowered to enforce the law and to effect public and social order through the legitimatized use of force The Bratislava City Museum (Múzeum mesta Bratislavy abbr MMB is a museum in Bratislava, Slovakia, established in 1868 The ZOO Bratislava (Zoologická záhrada Bratislava is a Zoo in Bratislava, Slovakia, in the borough of Karlova Ves. ^[114]

Tourism

For the list of sights in the city, see cityscape and architecture above. ARTICLE TEXT BEGINS AFTER THESE COMMENTS - PLEASE READ 1 Please do not edit the lead without reading

See also: Tourism in Slovakia

In 2006, Bratislava had 77 commercial accommodation facilities (of which 45 were hotels) with a total capacity of 9,940 beds. Tourism in Slovakia offers natural landscapes, mountains, caves, medieval castles and towns folk architecture spas and ^[115] A total of 686,201 visitors, 454,870 of whom were foreigners, stayed overnight. Altogether, visitors made 1,338,497 overnight stays. ^[115] However, a considerable share of visits is made by those who visit Bratislava for a single day, and their exact number is not known. Largest numbers of foreign visitors come from the Czech Republic, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Poland, and Austria. The Czech Republic ( ˈt͡ʃɛskaː ˈrɛpuˌblɪka short form in Česko ˈt͡ʃɛskɔ also called Czechia, Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located Italy (Italia officially the Italian Republic, (Repubblica Italiana is located on the Italian Peninsula in Southern Europe, and on the two largest Poland (Polska officially the Republic of Poland Austria (Österreich ( officially the Republic of Austria (Republik Österreich ^[115]

Among other factors, the growth of low-cost airline flights to Bratislava, led by SkyEurope, has led to conspicuous stag parties, primarily from the UK. SkyEurope Airlines is a Low-cost airline headquartered in Bratislava, with its main base at M A bachelor party (United States South Africa also known as a stag party or stag night or stag do (UK Ireland Canada and New Zealand bull's While these are a boon to the city's tourist industry, cultural differences and vandalism have led to concern by local officials. Vandalism is the behaviour attributed to the Vandals in respect of Culture: ruthless Destruction or spoiling of anything beautiful or Venerable ^[116]

Culture

Bratislava is the cultural heart of Slovakia. Owing to its historical multi-cultural character, local culture is influenced by various ethnic groups, including Germans, Slovaks, Hungarians, and Jews. ^[4][117] Bratislava enjoys numerous theatres, museums, galleries, concert halls, cinemas, film clubs, and foreign cultural institutions. ^[118]

Performing arts

Bratislava is the seat of the Slovak National Theatre, housed in two buildings. The Slovak National Theatre (Slovenské národné divadlo denotes the oldest Slovak professional theatre consisting of 3 ensembles ( Opera, Ballet The Slovak National Theatre (Slovenské národné divadlo denotes the oldest Slovak professional theatre consisting of 3 ensembles ( Opera, Ballet The first is a Neo-Renaissance theatre building situated in the Old Town at the end of Hviezdoslav Square. "Neo-Renaissance" is an all encompassing style designation that covers many aspects of those 19th century architectural revival styles which were neither Hviezdoslavovo námestie (literally Hviezdoslav Square) is one of the best-known squares in Bratislava. The new building, opened to the public in 2007, is on the riverfront. ^[69] The theatre has three ensembles: opera, ballet and drama. Smaller theatres include the Bratislava Puppet Theatre, the Astorka Korzo '90 theatre, the Arena Theatre, L+S Studio, and the Naive Theatre of Radošina. Arena Theatre (Divadlo Aréna is one of the oldest theatres in Bratislava.

Music in Bratislava flourished in the 18th century and was closely linked to Viennese musical life. Mozart visited the town at the age of six. Among other notable composers who visited the town were Haydn, Liszt, Bartók and Beethoven, who played his Missa Solemnis for the first time in Bratislava. Béla Viktor János Bartók (March 25 1881&ndashSeptember 26 1945 was a Hungarian Composer and Pianist, considered to be one of the greatest Ludwig van Beethoven ( English ˈlʊdvɪg væn ˈbeɪtoʊvən, 16 December 1770 &ndash 26 March 1827 was a German Composer and Pianist. The Missa solemnis in D Major Op 123 was composed by Ludwig van Beethoven from 1819-1823 ^[63] It is also the birthplace of the composer Johann Nepomuk Hummel. Johann Nepomuk Hummel or Jan Nepomuk Hummel (14 November 1778 &ndash 17 October 1837 was a Composer and virtuoso Pianist of Austrian Bratislava is home to the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra. The Slovenská filharmónia ( Slovak Philharmonic) is a Symphony orchestra in Bratislava, Slovakia. The city hosts several annual festivals, such as the Bratislava Music Festival and Bratislava Jazz Days. ^[119] The Wilsonic Festival, held annually since 2000, brings dozens of international musical acts to the city each year. Wilsonic is a Music festival held in Bratislava, Slovakia since 2000 ^[120] During the summer, various musical events take place as part of the Bratislava Cultural Summer. Apart from musical festivals, it is possible to hear music ranging from underground to well known pop stars. ^[121]

Museums and galleries

Main article: Museums and galleries of Bratislava

The Slovak National Museum (Slovenské národné múzeum), founded in 1961, has its headquarters in Bratislava on the riverfront in the Old Town, along with the Natural History Museum, which is one of its subdivisions. Bratislava is the capital city and the cultural and economic centre of Slovakia. Rococo is a style of 18th century French art and Interior design. The House of the Good Shepherd (Dom U dobrého pastiera is a narrow Rococo -style building in Bratislava, Slovakia, located below Bratislava The Slovak National Museum (Slovenské národné múzeum is the most important institution focusing on Scientific research and cultural Education in the field It is the largest museum and cultural institution in Slovakia. The museum manages 16 specialised museums in Bratislava and beyond. ^[122] The Bratislava City Museum (Múzeum mesta Bratislavy), established in 1868, is the oldest museum in continuous operation in Slovakia. The Bratislava City Museum (Múzeum mesta Bratislavy abbr MMB is a museum in Bratislava, Slovakia, established in 1868 ^[123] Its primary goal is to chronicle Bratislava's history in various forms from the earliest periods using historical and archaeological collections. It offers permanent displays in eight specialised museums.

The Slovak National Gallery, founded in 1948, offers the most extensive network of galleries in Slovakia. The Slovak National Gallery (Slovenská národná galéria abbreviated SNG is a network of galleries in Slovakia. Two displays in Bratislava are next to one another at Esterházy Palace (Esterházyho palác) and the Water Barracks (Vodné kasárne) on the Danube riverfront in the Old Town. Esterházy Palace (Esterházyho palác is a Neo-Renaissance -style building in the Old Town, Bratislava, near the Danube riverfront built in The Bratislava City Gallery, founded in 1961, is the second-largest Slovak gallery of its kind. The Bratislava City Gallery (Galéria mesta Bratislava abbr GMB is a gallery located in Bratislava, Slovakia, in the Old Town. The gallery offers permanent displays at Pálffy Palace (Pálffyho palác) and Mirbach Palace (Mirbachov palác), in the Old Town. Johann Pálffy Palace (Pálffyho palác or Pálfiho palác) is a late Classicism-style building in the Old Town, Bratislava, on the Panská street Mirbach Palace (Mirbachov palác is a Rococo -style palace in the Old Town, Bratislava, built from 1768 to 1770 for Bratislava (then Pressburg ^[124] Danubiana Art Museum, one of the youngest art museums in Europe, is near Čunovo waterworks. Čunovo (Čunovo Dunacsún Sarndorf sometimes incorrectly called Čuňovo) is a small part of Bratislava, Slovakia, in the southern area near the Gabčíkovo - Nagymaros Dams (more exactly Gabčíkovo - Nagymaros Waterworks) is a large barrage project on river Danube. ^[125]

Media

As the national capital, Bratislava is home to national and many local media outlets. The Slovak Radio (Slovenský rozhlas is the Slovak national public service radio broadcaster. Notable TV stations based in the city include Slovak Television (Slovenská televízia), Markíza, JOJ and TA3. Markíza is the leading private Television station in Slovakia. TV JOJ is a private Television channel in Slovakia owned by J&T Media Enterprises TA3 (pronunciation /'tɛː'aː'tri/ can be Slovak private TV news channel see TA3 (news channel Former Slovak TV channel see TA3 (1991-1992 Slovak Radio (Slovenský rozhlas) has its seat in the centre, and many Slovak commercial radio stations are based in the city. The Slovak Radio (Slovenský rozhlas is the Slovak national public service radio broadcaster. National newspapers based in Bratislava include SME, Pravda, Nový čas, Hospodárske noviny and the English-language The Slovak Spectator. SME or Denník SME (literally the "WE ARE Daily" is the second most widely read and very influential daily in Slovakia. Pravda (the Slovak word for "Truth" is a major Newspaper in Slovakia. Nový čas (literally New Time is a Tabloid and the best-selling daily in Slovakia. Hospodárske noviny (abbreviated HN English Economic News(paper) is a daily predominantly economic newspaper in Slovakia. The Slovak Spectator (or in abbreviated form Slovak Spectator) is a Slovakia’s only English-language newspaper Two news agencies are headquartered there: the News Agency of the Slovak Republic (TASR) and the Slovak News Agency (SITA). The News Agency of the Slovak Republic ( Slovak: Tlačová agentúra Slovenskej republiky; abbreviation TASR or TASR-Slovakia is a Slovak

Sport

Main article: Sport in Bratislava

Various sports and sports teams have a long tradition in Bratislava, with many teams and individuals competing in Slovak and international leagues and competitions. Various Sports and sports teams have a long tradition in Bratislava, with many sport teams and individuals competing in the best Slovak and international leagues and Sport is an Activity that is governed by a set of rules or Customs and often engaged in competitively A sports league is an organization that exists to provide a regulated competition for a number of people to compete in a specific Sport. Competition is a rivalry between individuals groups nations or animals for territory or resources

Football is currently represented by two clubs playing in the top Slovak football league, the Corgoň Liga. Tehelné pole (meaning "Brickfield" is the informal name of a city quarter in Bratislava, Slovakia, characterized by the presence of several sports facilities Nové Mesto (meaning New Town) is a borough of Bratislava, in the Bratislava III district ŠK Slovan Bratislava is a Slovak Sports club, based in Bratislava. Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a Team sport played between two teams of eleven players and is widely considered Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a Team sport played between two teams of eleven players and is widely considered The Corgoň Liga is the top division of Slovak football. There are 12 teams in the competition ŠK Slovan Bratislava, founded in 1919, has its home ground at the Tehelné pole stadium. ŠK Slovan Bratislava is a Slovak Sports club, based in Bratislava. Tehelné pole (meaning "Brickfield" is the informal name of a city quarter in Bratislava, Slovakia, characterized by the presence of several sports facilities ŠK Slovan is the most successful football club in Slovak history, being the only club from the former Czechoslovakia to win the European football competition the Cup Winners' Cup, in 1969. Czechoslovakia may also refer to what is now the Czech Republic and Slovakia. ^[126] FC Artmedia Bratislava is the oldest of Bratislava's football clubs, founded in 1898, and is based at Štadión Petržalka in Petržalka. FC Artmedia Petržalka, also known as FC Artmedia Bratislava, is a Slovak football club from the Petržalka district of the capital Bratislava Štadión Petržalka (also called (Štadión za Starým mostom) is a football Stadium in Bratislava, Slovakia, in the borough Petržalka ((Pozsonyligetfalu Engerau is the largest borough of Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Another known club from the city is FK Inter Bratislava. FK Inter Bratislava is a Slovak football club playing in the city of Bratislava. Founded in 1945, they have their home ground at Štadión Pasienky and currently play in the Slovak Second Division. Stadion Pasienky is a multi-use Stadium in Bratislava, Slovakia. The 1 slovenská futbalová liga is the second division of Slovak football.

Bratislava is home to three winter sports arenas: Ondrej Nepela Winter Sports Stadium, V. Dzurilla Winter Sports Stadium, and Dúbravka Winter Sports Stadium. Ondrej Nepela (born January 22, 1951 in Bratislava, Slovakia, died February 2, 1989 in Mannheim, Germany Vladimír Dzurilla ( Aug 2 1942, Bratislava, Slovakia - Mar 15 1995, Düsseldorf, Germany) was Dúbravka (Kaltenbrunn (Pozsony -Hidegkút is a borough of Bratislava, Slovakia. The HC Slovan Bratislava ice hockey team represents Bratislava in Slovakia's top ice hockey league, the Slovak Extraliga. Hockey Club Slovan Bratislava is a professional Ice hockey team in the Slovak Extraliga from the Slovak capital Bratislava Slovak Extraliga is the name of the highest-level Ice hockey league in Slovakia. Samsung Arena, a part of Ondrej Nepela Winter Sports Stadium, is home to HC Slovan. Samsung Arena, part of Ondrej Nepela Winter Sports Stadium is an Arena in Bratislava, Slovakia. Ondrej Nepela (born January 22, 1951 in Bratislava, Slovakia, died February 2, 1989 in Mannheim, Germany The Ice Hockey World Championships in 1959 and 1992 were played in Bratislava, and the 2011 Men's Ice Hockey World Championships will be held in Bratislava and Košice, for which a new arena is being planned. The Ice Hockey World Championship is an annual event organized by the International Ice Hockey Federation. Košice (; Hungarian: Kassa; (also known by other alternative names) is a city in eastern Slovakia. ^[127]

The Čunovo Water Sports Centre is a whitewater slalom and rafting area, close to the Gabčíkovo dam. Whitewater Slalom is a competitive sport where the aim is to navigate a decked Canoe or Kayak through a course of hanging gates on river rapids Rafting or whitewater rafting is a challenging recreational activity utilizing a Raft to navigate a River or other bodies of water Gabčíkovo - Nagymaros Dams (more exactly Gabčíkovo - Nagymaros Waterworks) is a large barrage project on river Danube. The Centre hosts several international and national canoe and kayak competitions annually. A canoe is a small narrow Boat, typically human-powered though it may also be powered by sails or small electric or gas motors A kayak is a small human-powered Boat. It typically has a covered deck and a cockpit covered by a Spraydeck.

The National Tennis Centre, which includes Sibamac Arena, hosts various cultural, sporting and social events. Sibamac Arena is part of the Slovakian National Tennis Centre in Bratislava, Slovakia. Several Davis Cup matches have been played there, including the 2005 Davis Cup final. The Davis Cup is the premier international team event in men's Tennis. The 2005 Davis Cup was the 94th edition of the most important tournament between nations in men's tennis The city is represented in the top Slovak leagues in women's and men's basketball, women's handball and volleyball, and men's water polo. Basketball is a team Sport in which two teams of five active players each try to score points against one another by propelling a ball through a 10 feet (3 m Handball (also known as team handball, European handball, or Olympic handball) is a Team sport in which two teams of seven players each (six Volleyball is an Olympic team sport in which two teams of 6 active players (5 normal players and one 'libero' are separated by a net that is usually four feet Water polo is a team water sport A team consists of six field players and one Goalkeeper. The Devín–Bratislava National run is the oldest athletic event in Slovakia,^[128] and the Bratislava City Marathon has been held annually since 2006. A race track is located in Petržalka, where horse racing and dog racing events and dog shows are held regularly. A race track (or 'racetrack' or 'racing track' is a purpose-built facility for Racing of animals (eg Petržalka ((Pozsonyligetfalu Engerau is the largest borough of Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. This article is about the sport For other uses see Horserace (drinking game or Horse race (politics. Greyhound racing is the Sport of Racing Greyhounds The Dogs chase a lure (traditionally an artificial Hare or Rabbit

Education and science

The first university in Bratislava and also in the territory of present-day Slovakia was Universitas Istropolitana, founded in 1465 by King Matthias Corvinus. Comenius University in Bratislava (Univerzita Komenského v Bratislave is the largest University in Slovakia, with most of its faculties located in Bratislava Slovakia (long form Slovak Republic; Slovak:, long form, is a Landlocked country in Central Europe with a population of over five million The Universitas Histropolensis (since the 16th century frequently - but incorrectly - referred to as Academia Istropolitana) in Pressburg (today's Bratislava Matthias Corvinus ( Matthias the Just; February 23 1443 &ndash April 6 1490) was King of Hungary and It was closed in 1490 after his death. ^[129]

Bratislava is the seat of the largest university (Comenius University, 27,771 students),^[130] the largest technical university (Slovak University of Technology, 18,473 students),^[131] and the oldest art schools (the Academy of Performing Arts and the Academy of Fine Arts and Design) in Slovakia. Comenius University in Bratislava (Univerzita Komenského v Bratislave is the largest University in Slovakia, with most of its faculties located in Bratislava Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava (Slovak Slovenská technická univerzita v Bratislave) is the most significant university of technology in Slovakia. The Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava (Vysoká škola múzických umení v Bratislave abbr The Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava (Vysoká škola výtvarných umení v Bratislave abbr Other institutions of tertiary education are the public University of Economics and the first private college in Slovakia, City University of Seattle. University of Economics in Bratislava (Ekonomická univerzita v Bratislave is the oldest university of economics in Slovakia. City University of Seattle (Vysoká Škola Manažmentu, also known as City University of Seattle (VŠM or just VŠM, is located in Slovak capital ^[132] In total, about 56,000 students attend university in Bratislava. ^[133]

There are 65 public primary schools, nine private primary schools and ten religious primary schools. See also Primary education A primary school (from French école primaire) is an institution where children receive the first stage of Compulsory ^[134] Overall, they enroll 25,821 pupils. ^[134] The city's system of secondary education (some middle schools and all high schools) consists of 39 gymnasia with 16,048 students,^[135] 37 specialized high schools with 10,373 students,^[136] and 27 vocational schools with 8,863 students (data as of 2007). Australia See also Education A gymnasium (pronounced with ɡ- in several languages is a type of school providing Secondary education in some parts of Europe, comparable to English grammar High school is the name used in some parts of the world (in particular Scotland, North America and Australia) to describe an institution ATTENTION *** This article is not "Vocational education in the United States" ^[137][138]

The Slovak Academy of Sciences is also based in Bratislava. The Slovak Academy of Sciences SAV (in Slovak Slovenská akadémia vied) is the main scientific and research institution in Slovakia fostering basic and strategic However, the city is one of the few European capitals to have neither an observatory nor a planetarium. An observatory is a location used for observing terrestrial and/or celestial events A planetarium is a Theatre built primarily for presenting educational and entertaining shows about Astronomy and the night sky or for training in Celestial navigation The nearest observatory is in Modra, 30 kilometres (19 mi) away, and the nearest planetarium is in Hlohovec, 70 kilometres (43 mi) away. Modra (- Slovak, Modern Modor Latin: Modorinum) is a city and Municipality in the Bratislava Region in Slovakia. Hlohovec ( German: Freistadt(l an der Waag, Hungarian Galgóc) is a town in southwestern Slovakia, with a Population CEPIT, the Central European Park For Innovative Technologies, is slated for development in Vajnory. Vajnory (Weinern Pozsonyszől(lős is a small borough in the northeast of Bratislava, Slovakia. This science and technology park will combine public and private research and educational institutions. ^[139] Construction is expected to begin in 2008. ^[140]

Transport

Main article: Transport in Bratislava

The geographical position of Bratislava in Central Europe has long made it a natural crossroads for international trade traffic. Bratislava 's geographical position in Central Europe has long made Bratislava a natural crossroads for international trade traffic ^[141]

Public transport in Bratislava is managed by Dopravný podnik Bratislava, a city-owned company. Dopravný podnik Bratislava akciová spoločnosť (literally Public Transport Company Bratislava Ltd The transport system is known as Mestská hromadná doprava (MHD, Municipal Mass Transit) and employs buses, trams, and trolleybuses. A tram, tramcar, trolley, trolley car, or streetcar is a railborne vehicle, of lighter weight and construction than a Train ^[142] An additional service, Bratislavská integrovaná doprava (Bratislava Integrated Transport), links train and bus routes in the city with points beyond.

As a rail hub, the city has direct connections to Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and the rest of Slovakia. The motorway system provides direct access to Brno in the Czech Republic, Trnava and other points in Slovakia, and Budapest in Hungary. Brno ( IPA:; Brünn is the second-largest City in the Czech Republic. Trnava ( Nagyszombat Tyrnau Tyrnavia is a city in western Slovakia, 47 km to the north-east of Bratislava, on the Trnávka river Budapest ( also /ˈbʊ-/) is the capital city of Hungary. As the largest city of Hungary it serves as the country's principal Political, The A6 motorway between Bratislava and Vienna was opened in November 2007. ^[143] The Port of Bratislava provides access to the Black Sea via the Danube and to the North Sea through the Rhine–Main–Danube Canal. The Port of Bratislava is a major Port on the river Danube and — in a wider sense — on the Rhine-Main-Danube waterway The Black Sea is an inland Sea bounded by southeastern Europe, the Caucasus and the Anatolian peninsula ( Turkey The North Sea is a marginal, Epeiric sea of the Atlantic Ocean on the European Continental shelf. The Rhine-Main-Danube Canal (also called Main-Danube Canal, RMD Canal or Europa Canal) located in Bavaria M. R. Štefánik Airport is 9 kilometres (5. Milan Rastislav Štefánik Airport (Letisko Milana Rastislava Štefánika, also called - especially in English - Bratislava Airport (Letisko Bratislava or Bratislava-Ivanka 6 mi) north-east of the city centre. It served 2,024,000 passengers in 2007. ^[144]

Notes

References

• Horváth, V. , Lehotská, D. , Pleva, J. (eds. ) et al. (1979). Dejiny Bratislavy (History of Bratislava), 2nd edition (in Slovak), Bratislava, Slovakia: Obzor.  
• Janota, Igor (2006). Bratislavské rarity (Rarities of Bratislava), 1st ed. (in Slovak), Bratislava, Slovakia: Vydavateľstvo PT. ISBN 80-89218-19-9.  
• Kováč, Dušan (2006). Bratislava 1939–1945 – Mier a vojna v meste (Bratislava 1939–1945 – Peace and war in the town), 1st ed. (in Slovak), Bratislava, Slovakia: Vydavateľstvo PT. ISBN 80-89218-29-6.  
• Kováč, Dušan et al. (1998). Kronika Slovenska 1 (Chronicle of Slovakia 1), 1st ed. , Chronicle of Slovakia (in Slovak), Bratislava, Slovakia: Fortuna Print. ISBN 80-71531-74-X.  
• Kováč, Dušan et al. (1999). Kronika Slovenska 2 (Chronicle of Slovakia 2), 1st ed. , Chronicle of Slovakia (in Slovak), Bratislava, Slovakia: Fortuna Print. ISBN 80-88980-08-9.  
• Lacika, Ján (2000). Bratislava, 1st ed. , Visiting Slovakia (in English), Bratislava, Slovakia: DAJAMA. ISBN 80-88975-16-6.  
• Špiesz, Anton (2001). Bratislava v stredoveku (Bratislava in the Middle Ages), 1st ed. (in Slovak), Bratislava, Slovakia: Perfekt. ISBN 80-8046-145-7.  

External links

• Official website of the City of Bratislava
• Bratislava Culture and Information Centre
• Bratislava travel guide from Wikitravel
• Travel guide to Bratislava
• Public urban transport in Bratislava

Images

• Contemporary Bratislava Photography
• Albums with historical and new photos
  • Flickr: Photos tagged with "Bratislava"

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