Bratislava

Once a free royal town, today´s capital of Slovakia evolved from several settlements positioned along an ancient trade route near a ford across the Danube River. The Romans erected here a stone watchtower to protect the place. Bratislava was also a significant Celtic stronghold - they built an oppidium here and the Romans in turn erected military structures. It was one of the most significant centers of the Great Moravian Empire. The first account of the castle Braslavespurch dates back to 907.

The castle dominates the whole city. Merchants and craftsmen very soon settled below the castle. A royal market was established here in 1151 at the latest. In the 12^th century a church centre moved from the castle to the nearby settlement. The significance of the settlement grew and in 1291 it was granted important privileges and rights. The construction of the fortifications around the town started in the late 13^th century. The best-preserved parts of the fortification occur in the western part of the city core. Out of several gates only one, the Michael gate with a tower has been preserved.

The town´s "golden age" in science and culture is given by activities of the university Academia Istropolitana. Because of the danger posed by the advancing Turkish army, the country´s administration moved to Bratislava which thus became the Hungarian capital and coronation site of Hungarian kings as well.

More info...please see "Bratislava Sightseeing"

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