| British Embassy in Bratislava |
|
Panska 15
811 01 Bratislava
tel. + 421 2 5998 2000
fax: + 421 2 5998 2237
Slovakia is a small scale country in the centre of Europe,
situated between the Tatra Mountains and the River Danube. Since
ancient times Slovakia has been a crossroads of Europe and is a
country of spectacular scenic diversity and cultural heritage. Now
Slovakia holidays offer the hottest ideas for discerning
travelers. This small country seems to have everything, from spa &
ski resorts to fairytale castles, historical towns and wine tours.
Since its independence tourism in Slovakia has grown remarkably and
most refreshingly, with an absence of Corporation-style
commercialism that is rampant across Western Europe. Slovakia is a
quaint and jovial holiday destination with an amazingly rich
cultural life and Bratislava is a capital city without the usual
tourist congestion.
Slovakia really is the dream cultural holiday destination, with
so many things to see and do. Have a holiday in Slovak Republic and
experience the countries amazing cultural achievements in the fields
of architecture, opera & ballet, literature, and music. A short
breaks journey to Bratislava will be a trip to remember forever.
It’s more than a country.
| History & culture of Slovakia |
|
Bratislava ranks among the youngest capital cities of Europe but
has a rich history dating back to more than two thousand years ago.
The first traces of permanent settlement are connected to the later
Stone Age and then later in the 2nd century BC when the Celtic tribe
of Boyds established themselves in the area. At the time when Christ
was born, Romans discovered the strategic significance of the area
of present Bratislava. However, they didn’t occupy this territory
for good but left behind many military stations, that were used to
protect their vital trade routes. One of the military quarters was
Gerulata (now the village of Rusovce), which was an integral part of
the defence system called ‘Limes Romanus’ that separated the world
of Romans from that of barbarian tribes. The Roman’s were also
responsible for growing the vine yards and are the sole reason for
Bratislava’s wine production and excellent wine reputation. During
the migration of nations, the Slavs settled in Bratislava, forming
the Samo‘s Empire, later collapsing and reforming as a state
formation of Greater Moravia. There reign came to end when the
Hungarians invaded and defeated them in battle in 907. By the end of
the 10th century, the Hungarian state was established and Bratislava
became an important economic and administration centre of Hungarian
borderland. However, in the 16th century there was an unexpected
turn in history, that greatly affected Bratislava’s political and
economical importance. At this time the Turks were advancing upon
Hungary, so the Hungarian nobility protected themselves by flight
into Slovakia. After the capital city Buda was occupied, Hungarian
nobility in 1536 decided that Bratislava should become the capital
city of Hungary. From 1536 – 1830, 11 kings and queens were crowned
in the Dome of St. Martin. Bratislava’s biggest period of growth
occurred during the reign of Maria-Theresa (1740 - 1780), but later
fell from glory during the reign of Joseph II. Upon Joseph‘s order,
central offices were moved to Buda in 1783 and Bratislava ceased to
be the capital city of Hungary, once again becoming a provincial
town of Budapest. The beginning of the 19th century will be
remembered for the Napoleonic wars. After the battle at Austerlitz
in 1805, the so-called Peace of Pressburg was concluded between
France and Austria in the Mirror hall of the Primacial palace.
Nevertheless, the peace did not last for long and as soon as 1809,
Napoleon‘s army damaged the town by shellfire from the right bank of
the Danube. The next important milestone in the history of the town
was at the end of World War I in November 1918 when significant
changes to the map of Europe occurred. Austro-Hungary disintegrated,
while the Czech Republic and Slovakia were merged together, forming
the Czechoslovak Republic. During WWII Czechoslovakia was separated
to its original state and Nazi administration was established in
both countries making them an allie of Germany. On the 4th April
1945, Bratislava was liberated by the Stalin‘s army. After WWII
Europe was divided by the iron curtain and Slovakia was placed under
communist rule. It took more than 40 years of resistance to the
communist regime before significant changes began in Slovakia.
Finally, in 1989 communist regime was overthrown by peaceful
demonstrations, famously called the ‘Velvet revolution.’ Later came
the disintegration of Czechoslovakia and at the stroke of midnight
from 31 December 1992 to 1 January 1993, Czechoslovakia ceased to
exist for the second time and Bratislava became again capital city
of independent Slovakia. Status of capital meant radical changes in
nature of the town. In the beginning of 1990-ies, visitors of
Bratislava were expressing themselves as a town where war just ended
up. Nowadays, it is considered one of the most dynamically
developing and the most prospective regions of Europe.
Bratislava is certainly high on the list of Top City break
destinations to visit in Europe. Treat yourselves to a long
weekend break and soak up the unique atmosphere and spirit of the
people and enjoy Slovakia. The only way to truly discover Slovak
Republic’s fascinating history, culture and general way of life is
to book a citybreak holiday there. Contact the Slovakia Travel
professionals or browse through our on-line Bratislava city
break deals and luxury weekend breaks packages. |
|
|
