| Page Views: 2,048 Last Visit to Bratislava: May, 2004 | ~ Bratislava, the Pearl of Slovakia ~ by gosiaPL - last update: Jun 28, 2006 |
| Hviezdoslavovo Namestie Sq., Bratislava |
I visited Bratislava twice and each time I enjoyed my little tours of its lovely Old Town. To my eye, the city has two main characteristics: on the one hand, it boasts its Viennese Baroque architecture, and on the other hand, it has a look of a typical ex-communist capital (they are not to blame, though!).
I don't mean to bore you with historical facts, but some basics are worth knowing to spare you confusion when you tour Bratislava. As many cities in Central-Eastern Europe, Bratislava has been under many influences. Don't be surprised by references to Hungarian kings, as a large part of current Slovakia was incorporated into Hungary in the Middle Ages. But the strongest (or more recent) influence is the Austro-Hungarian period, when Slovakia was a part of the Empire. It was known as Pressburg at that time, and got its present name only after the First World War when the Austro-Hungarian Empire came to an end, and Czechoslovakia appeared on the map of Europe. Then, after the fall of communism, Bratislava became the capital of the independent Slovak Republic in 1993.
It's good to see Bratislava working its way back to its past grandeur. Historical buildings are being rennovated, and the little streets in the Old Town seem to be breathing new air and re-discovered charm. More and more lovely little fountains and statues are being installed, so walking around the city is both pleasure and fun.
Go and see it before it's not too crowded with tourists! |
|  | Old, historic... The Castle on the Hill is not the only destination for tourists in Bratislava. The city has long history so there is a lot to explore for those who are interested in history and architecture. If you're not one of them, you will still find the charming squares and little streets a pleasure to visit. |
| Cumil, not quite a statue |
| | ... cute and relaxed Cumil, the man at work, is one of the several bronze figures within Bratislava's Old Town. Look also for the Paparazzi and the Schone Nazi which are nearby, as well as for the Napoleon figure in the Main Sq. They all add fun to touring the Old Town streets! |
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| In A Nutshell: | "History, charm and fun too!" |
gosiaPL's Bratislava Travel Tips
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 Comments for gosiaPL about Bratislava | | | | |
Jasen71 Mon Aug 21, 2006 00:21 UTC
Phew! this is a great page of trips....... Czesc Jasen | Pawtuxet Wed Jun 28, 2006 13:27 UTC
Another wonderful informative page...well done. I would love to be trying all those cafes and enjoying the architecture with you...Ah...but I am happy to have travelled virtually. | Sue08080 Sat Nov 12, 2005 21:13 UTC
Great photos, Gosia....waiting for more! | zizkov Fri May 21, 2004 23:36 UTC
When I first saw this (and the manhole man) I thought it was a comment on the years of oppression and informants. Only the next day did I notice the Paparazzi bar... |
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