Although Bratislava belongs among the youngest capital cities of the world, its history dates back to the Old Ages. During the course of the centuries it changed its name several times: from the German Pressburg, Latin Possonium, Hungarian Pozsony, to the Slovak folk version Presporok. The city lies at the foot of the Small Carpathian Mountain Range and is inextricably linked to the Danube River, the second longest European river. This European waterway was also at the birth of the first settlement in Bratislava and the river served as a thoroughfare for nations, as well as for cultural trends. Suitable geographic position was a pre-determining factor for Bratislava’s famous past and present. In the meantime the metropolis on the Danube River became a modern

city,attracting visitors with a multitude of cultural offering, congress and shopping centres, as well as international standard hotels, together with a diverse culinary offer. Capital city of the Slovak Republic Bratislava, with population of almost 500,000 people is today political, economic, cultural, scientific and social hub of Slovakia. Accept this invitation to Bratislava, with its roots deep in the past, lively present and ambitious outlook to the future.

Streets of Bratislava are brimming with history. Archaeologists are still finding reminders of the life in the past, the Celts, Romans but also our Slavonic forbears from the days of the Great Moravian Empire. Archives are housing valuable deeds documenting the glory of a mediaeval city, witnessing the coronation of 11 Hungarian kings and 8 regal wives. Gothic Dome of St. Martin was also a venue for the coronation of Maria Therese. Looking up from the banks of the Danube River you will be charmed by the majesty of Bratislava Castle, which bears features of several architectural styles. Today the historic centre contains a number of beautiful, renovated townhouses in baroque and rococo style with romantic courtyards, several churches and monasteries, statutes

and fountains and old town houses. They form narrow streets and small squares with a special charm of revived history. Events of the ”Cultural Summer Festival” fill every corner of the Old Town, together with Easter and Christmas markets and other cultural events. Unique atmosphere of the days when Bratislava was the coronation seat of Hungarian Kings are revived every year for the people and visitors of Bratislava during the coronation festivities.