Medieval Dominican Convent and Royal Mansion

"Margaret Island (Margit-sziget) is a 225-acre teardrop-shaped island situated in the Danube River, right in the heart of Budapest. This peaceful green oasis is a favorite retreat for locals and tourists alike, offering a tranquil escape amidst the bustling city life. The island is named after Saint Margaret, the daughter of King Béla IV of Hungary. According to legend, during the Mongol invasion of the 13th century, King Béla IV vowed to dedicate his daughter to a life of devotion in a convent if the Mongols were driven away and the city was spared. When the Mongols were defeated, Margaret entered the convent as promised. Despite her beauty and the many royal suitors seeking her hand in marriage, including a Polish duke and King Ottokár II of Bohemia, Margaret refused all offers of marriage. She steadfastly chose to remain devoted to God, preferring a life of service in the convent over a life of royal luxury. By the age of 18, she had taken her vows, rejecting her father's plans to annul them so she could marry a king. Margaret led a life of humility, performing menial tasks in the convent such as cleaning pots, scrubbing floors, and even cleaning latrines. She is said to have had the gift of performing miracles, including curing lepers and other healings. Her commitment to a life of asceticism and service earned her the admiration of many, and she was canonized as a saint in 1943. Today, Margaret's memory is honored on the island. Her resting place, marked by a red marble sepulchre cover surrounded by a wrought-iron grille, is located within the ruins of a former church. It is a place of quiet reflection, often adorned with fresh flowers, and many visitors pause to pray here. Nearby, a brick shrine contains votives from people who attribute various favors or cures to St. Margaret’s intercession. For those visiting the island, a metal structure near the ruins offers a fantastic viewpoint over the site, providing a scenic perspective of the historical ruins and the surrounding landscape. Margaret Island remains a place of historical and spiritual significance, with her story continuing to resonate deeply with the Hungarian people."

"Ruins of a Dominican monastery, built in the 13th century. If you are into photography, you can take awesome photos here!"