ハンガリーのおすすめウォーキング＆ハイキングルート

マルギット島の日本庭園（Margitsziget）は、ブダペストで最も平和な場所の1つであり、その池はこのエリアの中心となっています。広大な水域ではありませんが、そのディテールと雰囲気によって、まさに隠れた名所となっています。

マルガレーテン橋（ハンガリー語名：Margit híd）は、ブダとペストを結ぶ単なる架け橋以上の存在です。ハンガリーの首都で2番目に古い橋であり、その珍しい形状と優雅さから、ドナウ川の建築的宝石の一つと見なされています。橋の中央からは側流が分岐し、マルガレーテン島へ直接続いています。この橋は、フランスのエンジニア、アーネスト・ゴワンの設計に基づき、1872年から1876年の間に建設されました。これにより、橋に感じられる顕著なフランスの雰囲気（ギュスターヴ・エッフェルのスタイルに似ています）も説明できます。

マルギット島の水道塔（Margitszigeti víztorony）は、単なる技術的な建造物以上のものです。ブダペストで最もエレガントなランドマークの1つであり、ハンガリーのアールヌーボーの真の宝石です。

“There remains to add,” writes Sigfried Grän OFM in ‘Noah, the Builder of the Ark and Inventor of Viticulture,’ “what we omitted above in our summary of the Noah story. Noah not only survives the Flood and, after his rescue, offers a burnt offering to the Creator, but he also incidentally becomes the inventor of viticulture. (...) In ancient Israel, the grapevine was considered the noblest of all plants. To own a vineyard, to enjoy its fruit, and to be able to rest in the peace of its shade was... the epitome of a happy and blessed existence.” (Source: “In the Land of the Lord. Franciscan Journal for the Holy Land,” Issue 4/2024)

The equestrian statue of Saint Stephen I (Szent István) is undoubtedly the centerpiece of Fisherman's Bastion in Budapest's Castle District. It is not only a popular photo opportunity but also steeped in symbolism and history. Stephen I was the first king of Hungary (crowned in 1000 or 1001). He is considered the founder of the Hungarian state, uniting the Hungarian tribes and consolidating Christianity in the country. He was canonized in 1083.

From this very lofty height, you probably have the most beautiful view of the huge parliament building on the other side of the Danube.

The "Great Musical Fountain" on Margaret Island (Margitsziget) is one of Budapest's most popular free attractions. Considered one of the largest fountains of its kind in Europe, it offers a stunning interplay of water, light, and music. The basin has a diameter of 35 meters, covering a water surface of over 1,000 square meters. The jets of water can shoot up to 10 meters high. Over 150 nozzles and around 250 LED lights create spectacular color effects, especially after dark. The fountain plays music daily from May to October. The program is usually arranged by hour.

The Franciscan monastery on Margaret Island (Margit-sziget) in Budapest is a fascinating testament to medieval Hungary. While the nearby Dominican convent (where Saint Margaret lived) often takes center stage, the Franciscan ruins tell a unique and intriguing story. The monastery was likely built at the end of the 13th century (around 1270), shortly after the Mongol invasion. It was dedicated to Saint John. The complex is a classic example of mendicant order architecture of that period. Particularly striking is the surviving south wall of the church, where the tall, pointed Gothic windows can still be admired. Adjacent to the church was a monastery building with a cloister, storerooms, and sleeping cells. Like almost all the buildings on the island, the monastery was severely damaged during the Ottoman occupation in the 16th century and eventually abandoned. Some of its stones were later used as building material for other structures in the city.