Margaret Island Budapest

Margaret Island is 2,5 Km long and at its broadest part there is a huge park 500 m wide. The island is one of Budapest's most popular places for walking, bathing, amusement and sports. 

It is likely the once the Romans occupies the island, for remains of villas and watchtowers dating back to Roman times have been found here. During the Middle Ages the Templars of St. John built the castle-monastery in the southern part of the island. The Dominican order was also established here, in which King Bela IV's daughter, (St.) Margaret lived and died. It was from her that the Margaret Island at one time called Rabbit Island, received its present name. The medieval buildings were destroyed during the Turkish occupation and only since the end of the 18th century has the island become a well-cared-for park. The owner of the island at that time Palatine Joseph planted here flowers, trees and plants and had summer homes built here. 

At the end of the 19th century deep-drilling operations brought medicinal thermal water to the surface and Margaret Island subsequently developed into an internationally-known bathing (SPA) and recreational area. 

Arpad Bridge spans the Danube river at the northern tip of the Margaret Island and there is a road leading from it to the island. The length of the Arpad Bridge is almost 2 kilometers and its length over the water is 928 meters. It was completed in 1950 but has since been enlarged. Private cars can be driven onto the island only across the Arpad Bridge and only as far as the car park next to the Grand Hotel Margitsziget and the Danubius Thermal Hotel Margitsziget. However any part of the island can be reached by means of bus, taxi (cab) or mini bus service.

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The Danubius Thermal Hotel was built on the northern part of the island near the road leading to the Arpad Bridge next to the charming Japanese Garden. The Grand Hotel Margaret Island is situated nearby. The Open-air Theatre of the State Opera House where opera and ballet performances and concerts are held every summer is situated in the center of the island. The stage which is surrounded by ancient trees has an area of 1,400 square meter. The Water Tower overlooking the theatre was built in 1911.

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  Source:  Article Alley