Bratislava is a historic city, which has grown out of its past as a free royal coronation town. At that time it was known as Pressburg, Prešporok or Pozsony. The spirit of its past can be felt in every step. In the historical city centre one can find amazing pastel-coloured palaces, built by European nobility. Visitors will enjoy the many reconstructed fountains from times long gone, gothic churches, romantic narrow alleyways and one of the most stunning old squares in East Central Europe.
Even so, Bratislava is still a fairly undiscovered destination by tourists and so you do not have to suffer the stampede of tourists often found in other European cities, not even in the peak season. Visitors to Bratislava are not here just for the historical monuments, but also for the rich range of cultural and entertainment events. Classical music lovers will love it here, for instance, with a night out at the opera of the Slovak National Theatre, where world-renowned artists the likes of Edita Gruber, Lucia Popp or Peter Dvorský grew in stature.
Favourite events of visitors from both home and abroad include the Bratislava Music Festival, devoted to classical music, or the Bratislava Jazz Days, which speaks for itself. The Wilsonic festival of progressive music has also developed an avid following. Large outdoor events always meet with great enthusiasm, like the Coronation Celebrations or the New Year celebrations, which are on a par with similar mega events in other cities of Europe. Somebody once coined the phrase Partyslava to describe Bratislava.
In addition to music and opera, Bratislava is also home to more than 20 galleries with permanent collections of old and modern art and various interesting exhibitions. Despite its eccentric location on a little peninsula on the Danube, the Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum is worth visiting. One of the city wonders, at least where fine art is concerned, is the “Passage” by Matej Kren in Pálffy Palace of Bratislava Galleries. One visit is worth more than a thousand words.
A major attraction, especially in the summer, is the excellently reconstructed historical centre of Old Town, which can be compared to one big open air restaurant. Tourists say that the relaxed atmosphere is reminiscent in some way of coastal town. The cuisine is based on traditions stretching back to the days of the Habsburg monarchy: it is not so much typical Slovak cuisine, but rather Pressburg cuisine, with various Slovak specialties. Following the complete revitalisation of the Danube embankment, which will see some fascinating property developments, the centre will be extended and enriched. The whole embankment will be dominated by a promenade, which will lead along the River Danube practically over the full length of the city.
For more information on Bratislava visit www.visitbratislava.eu
Local Events:
More Information:
Bratislava Culture & Information Service
Nabr. gen. Svobodu 3
815 15 Bratislava
tel.: +4212 16 186 or +4212 59 356 651
fax: +4212 5910 3103
www.bkis.sk
info@bkis.sk
Tourist Information Centers:
Old Town, Klobucnicka Street
M.R. Stefanik International Airport
Central Railway Station
Passenger Port
National Contact:
Slovak Tourist Board
www.slovakia.travel
Tel.: +42148 413 61 46
Fax: +42148 413 61 49
E-mail: sacr@sacr.sk