Bratislava

Bratislava is the capital city of Slovakia and with around 440 000 inhabitants also the largest city in country. Bratislava is the only capital in the world located on the border of three sovereign states – Slovakia, Austria and Hungary. Besides its strategic location on the River Danube, the city takes pride in its rich history. The first Celtic oppidum was founded here in the 2nd century BC. For 247 years was Bratislava the capital of the Hungarian Kingdom (1536 – 1783) and for 267 years also the coronation city (1563 - 1830).

After the velvet revolution in 1989 and the establishment of an independent Slovak republic in 1993, Bratislava became the capital city. With 28 % of total GDP of Slovakia, Bratislava region is also its economic engine. Bratislava is known for automotive industry, IT sector (global headquarters of Eset – one of the leaders in cybersecurity technologies), oil processing industry, gas storage and distribution and many others. The economic importance is represented also by 140 000 people that are commuting to the city daily. Bratislava has the largest concentration of educational institutions and is a natural center of academic life. Almost 40% of all students in Slovakia study and complete their studies here.

The architecture of the city is a chronicle of its rich story. Historic buildings from the times of the Austrian-Hungarian monarchy, prefabricated housing estate from socialist era in the second half of the twentieth century, or a newly emerging downtown with modern high-rise buildings - all in one place.