Margit Island (Budapest) is located in Hungary, on the Danube River. It is located in the very center of the city, separating the two parts of the capital - Buda and Pest, connecting to them with bridges, one of which is called Margarita, and the second - Arpad. Margit Island (Budapest), its history, sights and some features will be described in this essay.
Description
As mentioned earlier, Margit Island (Budapest) is located in the capital of Hungary. It has an area of 0.965 km 2 and spans 2.5 km. It is completely occupied by a huge park, in which there are hotels with water thermal springs. There are sports fields, tennis courts, restaurants, cafes, various entertainment complexes, squares, a rose garden and an arboretum.
An interesting fact is that vehicles are prohibited here, with the exception of buses, taxis and rickshaws that run inside the island itself. It differs from the capital in its microclimate, thanks to a huge number of diverse vegetation. In fact, Margaret Island (Budapest) is a tourist center not only of the capital itself, but of the whole country.
History
The history of the island, located on the Danube River, began with the name "Hare". That is the name he bore for a long time. The Hungarian king Bela IV decided to give his beloved daughter Margit to the Dominican monastery, located on the island, when the kingdom gets rid of the Mongol yoke.
After this happened, he fulfilled his vow and gave his 9-year-old daughter to the monastery to serve God. At the age of 28, Margaret died. She was revered among the people as a righteous woman and was very loved by him. After some time, in memory of the righteous Margaret, the island "Hare", it was decided to call her name.
sights
What to see on Margaret Island in Budapest, having arrived here? This unusual place has many different attractions. Here you can see a large number of historical and architectural monuments belonging to the XIII-XIX centuries.
One of the most popular attractions of the island are the ruins of the Dominican monastery, in which was the king's daughter, Margit. Here is the singing well of Bodor, the singing fountain, a high water tower, which reaches a height of 57 meters. She used to supply water to residents and public baths. The avenue of arts is filled with various sculptures and constructions. Nearby is a picturesque garden, created in the Japanese style.
Hotels on Margaret Island in Budapest, in addition to their main purpose, have a whole range of additional services, for example, thermal springs. Many hotels themselves are architectural masterpieces and are striking in their beauty.
Dominican monastery
This monastery existed in the XII century and was built in the Romanesque style in the name of St. Michael. The chapel and the sacristy on the south side were attached in the middle of the 15th century. At the same time, when the Turks invaded Hungary, many buildings in the capital were destroyed, including the monastery.
However, at the beginning of the 19th century, the ruins were excavated, and the restoration of the temple began. At the end of construction, an old bell, which was made in the 15th century, was installed on the church. Currently, the temple is active and attracts not only tourists, but also believers.
On one of the alleys of the monastery park is the grave of the very Margit, in whose honor the island is named. On her grave you can see a large number of flowers, this is due to the fact that there is a belief associated with Margit. It is believed that she blesses all the lovers who bring her flowers.
Hotel complexes
Hotels on Margaret Island in Budapest are somewhat different from those in Europe. The difference is that they have their own thermal springs. There is a wide selection for every taste and budget - from luxurious five-star apartments to modest two-star hotels.
One of the hotels in Margaret (Budapest) with thermal springs is the Buddha Bar Clotild Palace. This is a five star hotel, where guests are offered a wide range of services. The hotel is located in an old building of the XIX century, which impresses with the beauty and sophistication of architecture. There are magnificent superior rooms equipped with modern technology and at the same time furnished with chic furniture. Inside, the hotel itself and rooms have an Asian-colonial style.
The hotel has a thermal pool, a spa with a hammam, a bath and an infrared sauna, gyms, bars, restaurants and a stunning lounge area with a glass roof. It is worth noting that this hotel was awarded an award for the best interior.
Hotel Danibius
Hotel Danibius Margitsiget was erected in 1873 on Margit Island (Budapest). Photos of its opening and its first visitors are in the lobby of the hotel, showing its rich history to those entering. Luxurious interiors are made in a classic style.
The spa center, which is part of the hotel complex, is considered one of the best in Europe, it offers a wide range of health-improving services. The hotel’s restaurant is located in close proximity to one of the island’s parks, which allows visitors not only to taste various delicious dishes, including local cuisine, but also to enjoy stunning views.
At the disposal of the hotel guests are bicycles and small electric cars, which allow you to freely and quickly move around the island.
Island Baths
The baths on Margaret Island in Budapest are represented in large numbers. They are divided into two categories - a classic bathhouse and a modern one. The main difference is that the classic ones are treated, not entertained. They work year-round, and the ticket price is higher than in the modern one. Classic baths include:
- Gellert
- "Sections";
- "The Sly";
- "Rudash."
In the thermal pools of these institutions they treat various types of diseases, for example, joints, strengthen bone tissue, and recover from a fracture. And also eliminate problems with the skin, respiratory tract and much more.
The fact is that the water in these baths has a rich composition of various useful salts, minerals and other substances that help with ailments. Hungarians adopted the use of thermal pools from the Turks, Turks from the Byzantines, and the latter from the Romans. And so the traditions of restoration and treatment from those ancient times have come down to our time.
Bathhouse "Palatinus"
This institution opened in the distant 1919 and became the first open-air bathing beach. Every year the number of visitors increased, and it was decided to expand the territory. Currently, the pool has several pools and water attractions. Large areas for sunbathing and relaxing, cafes and restaurants.
Water is supplied to the Palatinus pools from thermal springs, while it first passes through a special high-tech filtration system. The pool has several pools for various purposes:
- medical;
- with artificial waves;
- thermal with a different temperature range;
- two nurseries;
- two swimming;
- for leisure (lounge pool);
- with entertainment.
On the territory of the "Palatine" are a sauna, massage rooms, a gym and park areas. Tens of thousands of people visit this place every year. Palatinus has become a distinctive resort visiting card of Budapest.
How to get to Margaret Island in Budapest?
You can get to Budapest from Moscow or St. Petersburg by direct flight by plane. Arriving at the Budapest airport, named after the composer Ferenc Liszt, you should use public transport or a taxi.
If you decide not to take a taxi, then you can get to Margit Island by bus number 914. For the convenience of guests of the capital, they go at intervals of 20 minutes. Travel time will be approximately 45 minutes, however, it will fly by unnoticed, because outside the windows there will be beautiful landscapes of the ancient city.
It should be noted that transport will not take you to the island itself, but to the West Station, from which you will have to walk about two kilometers or take a taxi. You can also use trams number 4 or number 6, which will take you to the bridge connecting the island with the city. In fact, an hour and a half after arriving in Budapest, you will find yourself on the wonderful and bewitching Margit island with its beauties.
Reviews
Having figured out how to get to Margaret Island in Budapest, tourists begin to pay attention to the capital itself and are imbued with the spirit of this magnificent city. According to travelers who have visited the capital of Hungary on the island of Margit, this is a delightful place like no other in Europe.
It is rather unusual that in the very center of the city is an island planted with various shrubs and trees. It may seem that he is immersed in this huge amount of greenery. It is also surprising that open-air baths with a variety of pools and water attractions are adjacent to the luxurious old buildings.
It should be noted that the reviews regarding Margaret Island (Budapest) are filled with positive ratings, both regarding the quality of service in particular and about the overall experience. They speak of the highest level of service, regardless of whether it is a fashionable five-star hotel or a small private hotel with budget rooms.
Visitors to the island from different countries note that Margit is a unique place where, in addition to excellent architecture, excellent service, you can improve your health with the help of thermal springs. Everything is within walking distance - from historical monuments, baths and fountains, to museums and various entertainment venues.
Tourists visiting Budapest especially mark Margaret Island. Here, the incongruous mixes wonderfully. For example, a beach with thermal pools in the very center of the capital. This is surprising at first, but after a couple of days people get used to it.
The city is filled with beautiful historical monuments, the architecture of buildings of the XVII-XIX centuries impresses with its monumentality and sophistication. A lot of hotels from five-star to two-star hotels. However, the inexpensive rooms are quite comfortable and cozy. A large number of restaurants offering to try dishes of various cuisines of the world, from spicy oriental to traditional European.
Conclusion
Margaret Island in Budapest is a truly Hungarian pearl that adorned the capital. This is a great place to relax with the whole family, even young children have something to entertain. Natural parks, beaches, pools, healing baths and attractions are all that are needed on a hot summer day.
Those who want to get acquainted with the rich history will be able to do this on their own or with a guide. The island has a huge number of attractions with a long and interesting history. But if you want more, you can explore at least the whole of Budapest, it will be enough to cross the bridge connecting the island with the city.
Margaret is a place that can pleasantly surprise and even amaze any satiated traveler who, having been here once, will definitely want to return here.