"Bratislava - The smallest big city" Top 5 Page for this destination Bratislava by Rupanworld

Bratislava (variously called as Europe's smallest big city, or a Big small city etc) is the capital city of Slovakia and the country's largest city. It lies on both banks of the the river Danube. It borders two countries, Austria and Hungary and it is the only national capital in the world that borders two countries. At the same time Bratislava and Vienna are the two closest national capitals in Europe. Vienna is only 60 kilometres away from this city. Bratislava is the political, cultural and economic capital of Slovakia and it houses many educational institutions, museums, theatres apart from government offices. It has a very old settlement dating back to 5000 BC.

One of the interesting roadside statues

Historically the town has been known by various names. Germans used to call it Pressburg, French call it Presbourg, the Greek name is Istropolis, while the Czech name is Prešpurk, Latin name is Posonium, Croatian name is Požun. The city was named Bratislava in 1919. It's first recorded name dating back to the 10th century was Brezalauspurc. Later on it was also renamed as Prešporok.In the past Bratislava has been the capital city of Hungary for many years. It was only on creation of the country of Czechoslovakia after World War I, in 1918, that the city was made a part of this country despite the reluctance of the city leaders to be so annexed therewith.

A manhole cover in the city

In 1993, the city became the capital of the newly formed Slovak Republic following the Velvet Divorce and formation of two separate states from the erstwhile Czechoslavia, viz. Czech Republic and Slovakia. Soon after formation of the new country the city saw a lot of foreign investment. The city is a flourishing one at the moment. One of my very memorable solo trips have been to Bratislava, the capital city of Slovakia. I loved every bit of this small city except the fact that it is so very difficult to find somebody here that speaks in English. I was here for three days and could easily explore the city on foot. I met some nice people although unlike my other trips, I was unable to make any friend during the trip.

• In a nutshell:Nice cool city with many places to see