Interesting facts about Bratislava Is a great opportunity to learn more about European capitals. Many modern structures have been built here, while in some regions many architectural sights have survived.
So, here are the most interesting facts about Bratislava.
- The first mention of Bratislava is found in documents dating back to 907.
- Over the years of its existence, Bratislava has had such names as Prespork, Pozhon, Pressburg and Istropolis.
- As the capital of Slovakia (see interesting facts about Slovakia), Bratislava shares borders with Austria and Hungary, thus being the only capital in the world that borders two countries.
- Bratislava and Vienna are considered to be the closest European capitals.
- The first settlements on the territory of modern Bratislava were formed at the dawn of mankind.
- Did you know that until 1936 you could get from Bratislava to Vienna by ordinary tram?
- In the 80s, the construction of the underground began here, but the project was soon closed.
- Most of the residents are Catholics, while almost every third Bratislava citizen considers himself an atheist.
- An interesting fact is that once in this region lived Celts, Romans, Slavs and Avars.
- One of the most ancient buildings in Bratislava is the Mikhailovsky Gate, built in the Middle Ages.
- The capital is home to the ruins of the legendary Davin fortress, blown up by Napoleon's soldiers.
- In Bratislava, you can see the mausoleum built for the famous rabbi Hatam Sofer. Today the mausoleum has become a real pilgrimage site for the Jews.
- The first public transport in Bratislava was the omnibus, a multi-seat horse-drawn carriage that first entered the city streets in 1868.
- Kiev (see interesting facts about Kiev) is among the sister cities of Bratislava.
- During the advance of Napoleon's army, a cannonball hit the Bratislava City Hall, which is kept there today.
- Many local streets in strategically important places turn 90⁰. This is due to the fact that the city was originally built in such a way that it would be more difficult for the enemy to fire from cannons and rebuild his troops.
- In 1924, the first high-rise building in the Balkans, consisting of 9 floors, appeared in Bratislava. Curiously, it was equipped with the first lift in the region.
