In 1241 king Béla IV was trying to escape Mongol hordes and took an oath that he would offer up his yet to be born daughter to God if his family and country were saved from the enemies.
Thus, Princess Margaret born next year become a nun and in 1251 the king built a cloister and a church for the order she belonged to on the Island of Hares.
Today, this island is known as Margaret Island or Margit-sziget in Hungarian. It is a 2.5 km long and 500 meters wide island and recreational park in the middle of Danube and Budapest. In fact, it used to be three separate islands, but in the end of the 19th century they were connected and raised to control the flow of the Danube and flooding.
But the ruins of Dominican cloister where princess Margaret lived are still there, as well as the ruins of older Franciscan church.
Ruins of cloister uncovered in 1914
Margaret Island has a rich history, and many experts believe that the island was part of system of fortresses built by king Béla IV after the Mongol invasion. This may be the reason why he built a cloister for his daughter on an island endangered by floods.
Margaret Island in 1912
Horse Tram on Margaret Island. 1928
In its many centuries the island was owned by Dominican nuns, rented to Óbuda residents who used it as a hay field, allotted to Palatine who turned it into a “spot of delightful entertainment” (naturally, for selected public), transferred to Archduke Joseph who decided to build there a bathing centre of international standards.
Bath Complex. 1928
By the end of 1800s the island thrived. It had bathing complex, large and small hotels, villas, restaurants, horse tram attended and used by the Buda high society and riches from Vienna.
Until 1899 (when the Margaret Bridge was connected with the island) Margaret Island could only be accessed by water, and both rowing and steam boats were carrying noble and rich passengers from the town to the luxury resort and back. The fee had to paid when entering the island, and it was permanently abolished only after World War II.
Soviet Soldiers on Margaret Island.
In twentieth century many sport facilities were built on Margaret Island, including swimming pool and playing fields. Among many attractions of the island are thermal hotels erected where Margaret Baths once stood.
Today, Margaret Island is a popular park loved by both locals and tourists. Joggers come here to exercise, parents bring their kids to the small zoo and aviary, lovers come to enjoy its secluded alleys, nature lovers come to admire the rich flora of the island.
It’s easily accessible nowadays. Just take a tram 4 or 6 and hop off in the middle of Margit Bridge to relax, to have a breath of fresh air, and to swim in island’s many pools.
