Although archaeological evidence shows that people lived in the area of Bratislava as long ago as 500 B.C, Bratislava as it exists today has only been established since January 1st, 1993, when it separated from Czechoslovakia. Czechoslovakia became the Czech Republic, and Bratislava emerged as the capital of the independent Slovak Republic (Slovakia). In just a short 22 years, Bratislava has become a thriving capital city in the center of Europe.
Just an hour to the east of much larger Vienna, Austria, Bratislava is so quaint and charming that it is often used as a backdrop for movies set in Vienna. The charming old town is pedestrian-friendly and offers shopping, dining, and beautiful parks for relaxing and enjoying the town.