With the Slovak National Thatre and other diferent kinds of theatres, concert and exhibition halls, cinemas and various clubs it is the centre of country`s cultural life.
Situated at the cross-roads of important routes leading from the Mediterranean to the Baltic Sea, and of the foot of mountains and confluence of two rivers, it became an important settlement in Celtic and Roman times. At the turn of the 5th and 6th centuries the Slavs and the Avars settled in its territory. In the 9th century Bratislava became an important town of the Great Moravian Empire. In 1291Bratislava had been granted full urban privilegies by king Andrew. The town grew in significance especially under the rules of king Sigismund of Luxemburg and Mathias Corvinus, who made Bratislava the base of their foreign policy towards their western neighbours. By rebuilding the castle and putting up a second line of the town`s fortification, Sigismund made of Bratislava a key place, while Mathias Corvinus, by estabilishing the university Academia Istropolitana (1465) turned Bratislava into a center of his empire. After the battle of Mohacs in 1526 when Turks defeated Hungarian troots Bratislava became the capital of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. The hungarian kings and queens were coronated in the Ghotic Minister of St. Martin. The Hungarian assembly used to hold its meetings in a Baroque palace in the Michal Street. In modern times this place has served as an University Library.
There are around 300 unique historical places and buildings in the old premises of Bratislava which were turned into museums and galeries and are now opened for the public. In the Castle of Bratislava are exibithed the greatests treasures of the country`s ancient history such as a Paleontholic Venus, golden Paleontholic jewellery, Celtic coins, silver Roman dish and jewellery...
The Old Town Hall, the oldest town hall on the territory of Slovakia, is also a museum today. Its exposition include the Gothic wall paintings and a panel celing in the original chapel which is now hall.
The largest palace of the town is Primaciálny Palace, built in the classicist-baroque style. The palace serves primarily as a picture gallery. The most beautiful part of the palace is the Mirror Hall. Recently the representative rooms of Primaciálny Palace have served as a temporary residence of the president of Slovak Republik.
One of the most beutiful palaces built in rococo style is the Mirbach`s Palace. The Slovak National Galery is situated close to the river Danube. In the front park of the galery the viitors can admire sculptures. In the exhibition halls there is an exhibition of Slovak art from the 12th century up to the present days.
Apponyi`s Palace is situated in the centre of the Old town, near the Old Town Hall.