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Bratislava
BRATISLAVA - THE CAPITAL
Slovakia's capital is a charming little city (pop. about 500,000) that sits at the point where the Carpathian Mountains meet the Danube River. Like Vienna, though, it seems to ignore the fact that the Danube flows through it. Much of older Bratislava has been spruced up recently -- the center of Old Town is now an attractive pedestrian zone. At the heart of Old Town is Hlavne Namestie/Square, which hosts for example a wonderful Christmas market in December. Stands are set up to sell diverse handicrafts from all over Slovakia, Christmas ornaments, hot schnapps, sausages, BBQ, thick soups and - a must have - lokse(potato pancaces).
Next to the square is the old City Hall, the most beautiful building in town. It has a colorful tile roof and a tower with a cannon ball lodged in its side, supposedly fired by Napoleon's army. After his victory at Austerlitz, Napoleon signed the Treaty of Pressburg (the German name for Bratislava) with the defeated Austrians in the pink Primacialny Palace next door.
At the other end of Old Town is St. Martin's Cathedral, which hosted the coronation of Hungarian kings during the years when Bratislava was a capital of the Austro-Hungarian Kingdom and most of Hungary was controlled by the Turks.
Other sights include the copper-domed churches, dozens of beautifull old palaces throughout the city. The Bratislava Castle looks imposing from its hilltop perch, there is a rich history and a lot of interesting stories to tell. (The hefty Hapsburg empress Maria Theresa had the stairs in the castle especially built so she could ride her horse up and down.)
It's hard to miss the New Bridge. It has an observation deck and restaurant, which has nice views.
Try to see one of the most demanded performance of opera or ballet at the National Theatre /historical or new building / or a concert by the Slovak Philharmonic orchestra. Tickets are inexpensive and the performances are excellent. On request we will be happy to provide you with the current programme.
Bratislava - the Classical sightseeing tour
Duration: 2,5 - 3 hrs
For those Bratislava visitors who wish to spend a couple of hours to see the most desired sights we would recommend a sightseeing tour by bus and on foot in the old town with a licenced guide. Your visit starts at the Bratislava castle with its magnificent view of the town and surrounding countryside, followed by the historical centre with the St. Martin's Cathedral, old Town Hall, Primate´s Palace with exhibition of tapestries, President´s Palace, Michael´s Tower and the National Theatre.
Price for guide in selected language from 75,- Eur /bus/group
Devin Castle sightseeing added upon request
Duration: another 1,5 hrs
The city tour follows up along the Danube river to Devin castle (10 km from Bratislava), a place associated with countless legends since it was built in 846. Visit of the museum. Breathtaking view from the site high above the confluence of the Danube and Morava River.
Guide: +20,- Eur
