About Bratislava
Slovakia is a small country in the heart of Europe, which, however, offers variety of reasons for a visit. Several natural wonders allow physical activities during leisure time, and some of them are unique at European scale.
Another temptation to visit Slovakia is its rich cultural heritage, represented by a large number of architectural monuments and cultural influences, or a long-standing wine producing and gastronomic tradition of some regions. In spite of recent globalization tendencies, many of the cultural treasures have been preserved and visitors can explore a great variety of distinctive traditions, folk dance and music, colourful folk costumes or handicrafts, especially pottery and lace-making.
Apart from the natural and historical treasures, Slovakia is renowned for many talented people from various fields. Their talent and determination gained them an honourable place in history and helped to raise the reputation of Slovakia in the world.
Slovakia is still a very young country, independent only from 1993 after the dissolution of Czechoslovakia, but it is one of the fastest growing economies in the European Union and has great prospects for the future.
Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, lies along both sides of the river Danube, in the south-west of the country, close to the borders with Austria and Hungary.
Bratislava has always enjoyed a very favourable location – in the past it was located on a crossroad of important trade routes, nowadays it benefits from the proximity of three other capital cities: Vienna, Budapest and Prague.
Bratislava has a rich cultural life, with a large number of museums, galleries and theatres, including world-renowned Slovak National Theatre, and annually hosts many festivals and other cultural events.
Bratislava can also be perceived as an educational centre of the country, since the establishment of the first University on the territory – Academia Istropolitana – in about 1465.
Today we can find here a great number of educational institutions, including those dedicated to talented students of all age groups.