Introduction to Margaret Island

In the Upcoming three posts you will be introduced to the green oasis of Budapest, Margaret Island. First we will give you a brief account of the history of the Island but stay tuned for the next two posts where we will give you an inside look on what the island has to offer.

Margaret Island (Margit-sziget) is located in the middle of the river Danube between Margaret Bridge and Arpad Bridge. You can reach it by taking either the 4 or 6 numbered trams, which will stop on Margaret Bridge right at the connected path to the Island. If you choose to go to the island this way you should also take a closer look at the bridge itself. The Margaret Bridge is the 2nd oldest bridge in Budapest and has been opened since 1876. From the bridge you will have a very beautiful view of Parliament, the Royal Palace, the Statue of Liberty and the Danube (perfect spot for those profile pics!). Go in the evening in order to enjoy the sunset over the Danube and a view of the Statue of Liberty - take a bottle of wine with you and some friends! 

Ruins of the chapel of the
Dominican convert

Another way to reach the island is by bus. Lines 26 and 234 starting at Nyugati tér metro station will take you straight to the island and are actually the only cars that are allowed to drive on the island. 

Until the 14th century the island was known as Rabbit Island (Nyulak szigete). However, it got its present name from Saint Margaret, the daughter of King Béla IV, who lived on the island from 1242 to 1270 in a Dominican convent. Legend says that King Béla IV promised God the devotion of his daughter Margaret, in exchange for a Hungarian victory over the Tartarian Invaders. The Hungarians won and Margaret was raised in the convent as promised. Unfortunately, the convent was destroyed during a Turkish invasion in the 16th Century but you can still visit the ruins.

Ruins of the Dominican convert

Close to the ruins you will find an old chapel built in the Romanesque style. It was also destroyed by the Turks but rebuilt in the 1930s. It still has its old bell, which was rescued before the Turkish invasion. 

Margaret Island used to be a group of three small islands connected by waterways. To give residence more control over flooding, it was made into the one large island it is today, When the Island was connected to the Margaret Bridge in the beginning of the 20th century. At this time it was also declared a public garden and in the 1980s nearly all motorised transportation was banned from the Island (except those two buses you will be taking to get there ;P ).

Romanesque chapel,
 rebuild in the 1930s

Today the Island is used as a peaceful hideaway for the citizens of Budapest. On weekends and holidays you can see all kinds of people enjoying this green oasis. Over the years it has become very popular due to its wide range of attractions, sights, and places for activities or relaxing. Next time we will give the low down on the most important sights and activities offered on the Island. This island is also a great place for a first date so we will give some pointers on that as well in our third post.