18th-Century Characters, Including Frederick the Great, Discussion Post 33

[cahn]

And, I mean, it doesn't have to be just 18th century characters, either!

(also, waiting for Yuletide!)

Comments

Pressburg aka Bratislava

[mildred_of_midgard]

Pressburg (Hungary)

In case cahn needs a historical note: Pressburg is the old German name for Bratislava. When I was there, I saw a tourist stand in the town square selling t-shirts that read "Where the fuck is Bratislava?" and I couldn't resist buying one. ;)

To answer the t-shirt's question, Bratislava was formerly in Hungary, and is currently in Slovakia, right on the Austrian (and Hungarian) border. I was told by my tour guide that Vienna and Bratislava are the only two European capitals where, on a clear day from the top of Stephansdom or some other high vantage point, you can see from one to the other.

Re: Pressburg aka Bratislava

[selenak]

Also, the reason why Pressburg was so important at that point and both Charles Liechtenstein, Mimi and Albert were there was that after the Turks had conquered most of Hungary, Buda (& Pest) could not serve as Capitol anymore, so the administration shifted to Pressburg.

(Joseph made Buda capitol of Hungary again, which was about the only reform of his actually popular in Hungary since yes, Pressburg was really really close to Vienna.)