Bratislava History
Bratislava was always a meeting point of the trade crossroads in
Central and Eastern Europe. In this article we are going to take you
through the history of Bratislava, Slovakia.
Historical names
Bratislava was once also known as Braslavespurch, Brezalauspurc,
Istropolis (during Matthias Corvinus/Matej Korvin's rule), Pozsony
(Hungarian name), Posonium (Latin name), Pressburg (German name),
Brezesburg, Preslawaspurch, Brezizbuch, Bresbuch, Presporok or Prespork
(Slovak historical name), Wilson's City ("Wilsonovo" - when Bratislava
was free town during few months after Wolrd War I).
History of Bratislava
History of Bratislava begins in 400 - 50 B.C.when an important Celtic
town - "Oppidum" was established at the current territory of Bratislava
city, Slovakia. During the 1st through 5th century territory of todays
Bratislava is known as "Limes Romanum" - fortified border of Roman
Empire. Bratislava Castle and Devin Castle became
important centers during the Great Moravia ("Velka Morava") empire.
Great Moravia (Moravia Magna in Latin) was established in year 833 and
lasted until 10th century.
From year 1000 Bratislava is a
port of Hungary, later Austria. In 1291 Bratislava receives town
priviliges and in 1405 Bratislava becomes "free royal town". During
years 1467-1490 Bratislava becomes a seat of important university
Academia Istropolitana (Universitas Istropolitana) founded by Matthias
Corvinus. Between years 1536-1784 Bratislava is the capital of Hungary.
Since the 18th century Bratislava is a important place of Slovak
national and cultural movement, firstly led by writer Anton Bernolak,
later by leader of Slovak national movement Ludovit Stur. In 1840 first
railway in Hungary is built and connects Bratislava with Svaty Jur.
This is shortly followed by train connection to Vienna (1848) and
Budapest (1850). During the late 19th century Bratislava is heavily
modernized and industrialized.
In 1918 Bratislava becomes a
part of Czecholovakia, in 1919 the name "Bratislava" becomes the
official name of the city. In 1919 Slovak Comenius University
("Univerzita Komenskeho") is founded. During years of World War II
Bratislava becomes the capital of puppet fascist Slovak State directed
by Germany.
In 1968 Bratislava becomes the offical capital of
Slovak Sociaslist Republic. In 1989 communist regime is overthrown in
peaceful Velvet revolution and Bratislava is the capital of
Czechoslovak Federative Republic.
On January 1, 1993 Slovakia becomes independent state after the Czechoslovakia splits and Bratislava is the capital.
Related articles:
Bratislava Guide & Map
Bratislava Custom Guided City Walking Tours, Sightseeing
Bratislava once was...
Bratislava Opera, Ballet, Concerts
Quirky street statues around Bratislava
Get your Bratislava guide book before you leave
Guide to Bratislava Castle
Museums, Galleries, Exhibitions
Off the Beaten Path Guide
See great photos of Bratislava
Special Bratislava Tours, Slovakia Tours
Comments from our visitors:
Robert Devin wrote on 13.09.2006 at 20:37:18:
Are there other Devins in Bratislava or near Devin castle? I am working on tracking my heritage.
Robert Merwin Devin
Mesa, Arizona, USA
mary ann bruchac lynch wrote on 01.04.2006 at 11:09:11:
Very helpful site. I want to go to the Month of Photography 2006--I am a photographer, 3rd generation slovak/american ancestry on my father's side/ family names were
Bruchac and Hrdlika.
Any information on these families in Bratislavia/Slovakia at any time would be welcome. My grandparents cme to the US around 1918 /1921.
Thank you!
pls
