The small and exquisite capital of Slovakia.

Bratislava is the political, economic, and cultural center of Slovakia. It is located on the Danube River, one hour's drive from Vienna, Austria, and three hours' drive from Budapest, Hungary. It was once the capital of the Kingdom of Hungary under the rule of the Habsburg dynasty and became the base of the Slovak national movement in the 19th century. Bratislava is small but has a rich historical background. The city is composed of new and old urban areas. The old city is full of historical sites, including Baroque palaces and ancient churches, showing a rich historical style. The new city has modern buildings and is also the location of the presidential palace, parliament, and government. The coexistence of ancient relics and modern urban areas makes Bratislava a fusion of ancient and modern.