BRATISLAVA

Known as Pressburg to German-speakers or Pozsony to Hungarian-speakers, Bratislava got its present name only 90 years ago.  But the city has a long and proud history that dates back to pre-Roman times.

The hillsides on the edge of the city have been home to vineyards for centuries, and close to Bratislava are wine towns where you can taste the best - and it is startlingly good! - that Slovakia has to offer.

In the city itself there is plenty to see and do.  Bratislava's long history - as home to Celts, Romans, Germans, Hungarians, Jews, and of course Slovaks - means there is an impressive range of architecture, languages and cuisine.

The handsome homes of the Austro-Hungarian noble families who built palaces here dot the city, and many of them are now open to the public as museums and galleries.  The castle, with its long and chequered history (it has been destroyed more than once), is now undergoing a major restoration.  There are great views over the mediaeval old town and the Danube valley from its fortifications.

Bratislava was once one of the most important centres of Jewish learning in Europe. There is an unique memorial to its most renowned rabbi, the Chatam Sofer, and the city's Museum of Jewish Culture celebrate this heritage.

Communism too has left its mark: across the river, the unmistakable ranks of concrete housing blocks - paneláky in Slovak - line the horizon, with the unique UFO-style New Bridge in the foreground.

The Danube River itself is, of course, one of the city's main assets.  There are many cafes along its banks, within walking distance of the centre.  The 'UFO' itself contains an eponymous bar high above the river.  The pedestrian decks of the New and Old Bridges are good places to watch the river traffic, including huge Danube barges, gliding past.  Alternatively, you can take to the water yourself: daily hydrofoil services link the city with nearby Vienna.

Bratislava Castle - is dominant  over the historical centre. Its origins lie in the Celtic and Roman period. It was afterwards re-build in the Gothic style (15th century) and the Renaissance style (16th century). It acquired its typical four-wing layout in the 15th century. The present appereance dates from the 17th century. In 1811 it was destroyed by fire and in 1968 fully reconstructed. In its most powerful times Bratislava Castle was the seat of Hungarian and Austro-Hungarian kings. Today the Bratislava Castle houses the representative halls of the Slovak National Council, the Slovak Government, and the exhibitions of Slovak National Museum.

Devin Castle - is the frontier fortress of Great Moravia standing over the confluence of the Rivers Morava and Danube on the place of an ancient Celtic settlement. It was built in the 9th century. During its history it was in the possession of different noble families. In 1809 it was blown up and destroyed by Napoleon's troops. After reconstruction and conservation the castle is now  open to the public.

St. Martin's Cathedral - in 1563-1830 the coronation church of Hungarian kings and queens. It was built between the 14th-15th centuries. It has been build in the Gothic style and in the 18th century re-build in the Baroque style.

The Michael's Gate in the Michael's Tower - is part of original city fortifications. It was build in the beginning of 14th century and it used to be one of the four entrances to the city in the Middle Ages (the only one preserved). Its name is derived from St. Michael, the patron saint of St. Michael's Church, once standing next to the gate, in front of the city fortification. After the Battle at Mohac in 1526 Turks threatened also Bratislava, therefore the city council pulled the church down and the stones from it were used to strengthen and extend the Michael's Gate itself. Michael's Tower was reconstructed in the Baroque style in the 18th century. Today the tower houses an Exhibition of Weapons of the City Museum.

The Franciscan Church - It was built at the end of the 13th century in the Gothic style. It has been thereafter re-built in Baroque and Renessaince styles. It is one of the oldest religious buildings in the town. During the coronations of the king it was the place of knighting ceremony when the chosen aristocrats were promoted to the Knights of the Golden Spur. In Middle Ages mayors were elected here and the Hungarian Assembly elected here in 1526 Ferdinand Habsburg for the Hungarian king.

Academia Istropolitana - the first univerisity in Slovakia founded in 1465 by the king Mathew the Corvinus. There were four faculties - the Arts Faculty, the Theological Faculty, the Law Faculty and the Medical Faculty. In present, the original building of Academia Istropolitana is the seat of the Theatre Faculty and the Academy of Arts.

The Primatial Palace - the most outstanding Classicist palace in the town, built in 18th century as the residence of the Archbishop of Esztergom. It is situated on the Primatial Square near the Old Town Hall. The most known and most beautiful is the Mirror Hall of Primatial Palace. Today the palace serves as the seat of the Mayor of Bratislava as well as the facility for exhibitions and cultural events.

The Old Town Hall - one of the oldest stone buildings of Bratislava. It is situated on the Main Square near the Maximilian's (Roland's) Fountain - the oldest fountain in the city (1572). The Old Town Hall was originally a Gothic style house built in the 14th century. Since the 15th century it had been used as the Town Hall. The Old Town Hall houses the Municipal Museum since 1868.

The Grassalkovich Palace - The Rococo style palace with French garden dates from the 18th century. At present, it is the residence of the President of the Slovak Republic.

Healthcare

Slovak healthcare provides a good system of public hospitals. In general the staff are very kind and try to be helpful. Language knowledge varies from hospital to hospital, depending on whether it is a private or public hospital.

Private Hospitals ( English speaking )

www.medicover.sk 

http://www.falck-healthcare.sk/polikliniky/ 

http://www.procare.sk/ 

http://www.poliklinikamytna.sk/ 

http://www.asante.sk/ 

http://www.medissimo.sk/sk/o-nemocnici 

Health Insurance

The Slovak Constitution guarantees free healthcare for everybody. All of this, of course, happens assuming your doctor has the contract with respective health insurance company. In case you come with your international health insurance, each hospital or doctor will prepare an invoice that should be paid cash and then you can ask your insurance company for reimbursement.

Bratislava has a reputation for being a safe city. Nonetheless, disaster sometimes strikes. If it does, first ring the emergency number: 112. If you lose your passport, this should be reported to the Foreigners’ Police (Cudzinecká polícia) at Hrobákova 44, in the Petržalka district; EU citizens tel: +421 (0)961 036-871; non-EU citizens tel: +421 (0)961 036-866 or (0)961 036-867.

Your embassy or consulate can normally issue a temporary passport.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE

Clinic to Ružinov
Ružinovská 10, tel.: 02 4823 4113

Clinic to Tehelná
Tehelná 26, tel.: 02 4911 2525

Clinic to Kramáre
Limbová 5, tel.: 02 5954 1111

Health care and emergency to Strečnianska
Strečnianska 13, tel.: 02 6383 3000

Emergency dentist
Drieňová 38, tel.: 4342 3433

24 hour chemists
Ružinovská 12, tel.: 02 4333 1143
Račianske mýto 1/A, tel.: 02 4445 5291
Strečnianska 13, tel.: 02 6383 5868