Architecture
According to allcitycodes.com, the city of Bratislava has undergone a profound transformation from an architectural point of view since the beginning of the 21st century, yet it is still characterized by its medieval towers and grandiose 20th century buildings.
Among its oldest and most emblematic constructions we must highlight the extraordinary Bratislava Castle, one of the most prominent structures in the city is a primitive and imposing stone castle built in the 10th century in which Saint Elizabeth of Hungary spent her childhood and youth. The castle destroyed in the wars was rebuilt in 1649 but in the Baroque style. Queen María Teresa transformed it into a prestigious royal seat in 1811, and after being destroyed again inadvertently and being in ruins for many years, it was rebuilt again in the 1950s in the style of Queen María Teresa.
Another iconic structure is the Devín Castle, an important symbol of the history of Slovakia and the Slavs. that after being ruined for many years after being destroyed by Napoleon’s troops in 1809 was recently renovated. This castle is one of the most important Slovak archaeological sites and houses a museum dedicated to its history. In the so-called Old City the vast majority of historical buildings are located, such as the Bratislava City Hall, a complex of three buildings built between the 14th and 15th centuries, currently the headquarters of the Museum of the City of Bratislava, The Gate is also located there of Miguel (Michalská brána) that constitutes the only door that is conserved of the medieval fortifications, another building of great historical value is the University Library, erected in 1756 which was Parliament of the Kingdom of Hungary from 1802 to 1848. We can also find many baroque palaces such as the Grassalkovich Palace, built around 1760, the old Archbishop’s Palace and the Primacial Palace.
The cathedrals and churches of greatest architectural and historical value include the Gothic Cathedral of San Martín dating from the 13th and 16th centuries, the Church of the Franciscans, erected in the 13th century and is the oldest sacred building in the city, Another important work is the Azu Church, so called because of its color but its real name is Iglesia de Santa Isabel.
Among the buildings of the 20th century are the New Bridge on the Danube, the headquarters of Slovak Radio in the shape of an inverted pyramid, and the unique design of the Kamzík TV tower with an observation deck and a revolving restaurant. With the entry of this new 21st century, recently built buildings have renewed the urban landscape and among the most important are the Apollo Bridge and the Slovak National Theater.
Culture
Due to its multicultural character, its culture presents the influences of various ethnic groups that have been linked to its origin and history and culture as such and due to the extraordinary scope and development of this sphere, Bratislava constitutes the historical cultural center of Slovakia where there are countless from theaters, museums, galleries, concert halls, cinemas and a number of cultural institutions of local and national importance.
The Slovak National Theater has its headquarters in Bratislava as well as the Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra.
The famous composer Johann Nepomuk Hummel was born in this city and a great variety of festivals and musical events take place there.
Among its museums and galleries are the Slovak National Museum founded in 1961 and coupled to the Museum of Natural History, together they constitute the largest museum and cultural institution in Slovakia. Also notable is the Bratislava City Museum, established in 1868 and is the oldest continuously operating museum in Slovakia whose main objective is the chronicle of the history of Bratislava. Another important cultural gem is the Slovak National Gallery, founded in 1948, which features the widest network of galleries in Slovakia. Also in Bratislava is located the second largest gallery in Slovakia which is the Bratislava City Gallery, founded in 1961.
Education and science
In the city of Bratislava, all levels of education are developed from primary to university, including special teachings, in this beautiful city the headquarters of important educational centers in the country are located, among which the Comenius University, the largest in Slovakia, stands out., the Slovak University of Technology, the largest technical university in the country as well as the oldest art schools such as the Academy of Performing Arts and the Academy of Fine Arts and Design. The Slovak Academy of Sciences is also located here.
