Dunajská Streda – The Heart and Capital of Žitný ostrov
Dunajská Streda, once named the “Little Jerusalem,” is the center of administrative, educational, cultural, tourist, and sports life on Žitný ostrov. Its rich history is evident even during a walk through the town. Stroll with us through the squares and streets and discover the stories that have connected generations to this day. The walking tour is 3 km long and takes about 1 hour to complete.
Why Dunajská Streda?
Long ago, along the Danube, there was a settlement where a market was held every Wednesday. Locals called it Szerdahely in Hungarian – literally, “Wednesday place,” referring to the midweek market. The prefix “Dunaj” (Danube) was added to distinguish it from other “Wednesday market towns” that existed in the Middle Ages. So the name means: “the place of the midweek market by the Danube” – and today it is Dunajská Streda, a town worth visiting on a Wednesday or any other day! Today’s Dunajská Streda is located on land covered in prehistoric times by a layer of gravel deposited by the Danube and its tributaries, mixed with sand and alluvial deposits, which made it suitable for human settlement.
Previously a multi-story building serving as a café and hotel, it was sold to the town in 1901 by hotelier Károly Pleyer. During its transformation according to the design of Imre Makovecz, the building was modified: a tower was built above the entrance. This newly rebuilt “town hall” soon became the dominant building in Dunajská Streda and one of its symbols on Main Street. A commemorative plaque honoring Imre Makovecz is located at the entrance.
You can also explore the region’s past at the Yellow Castle, home to the Žitný ostrov Museum. The museum attracts visitors with interesting exhibitions and modern information services. On the ground floor, archaeological and paleontological collections are displayed, while the upper floor houses ethnographic and historical exhibits. The permanent exhibition is divided into seventeen thematic sections, faithfully and comprehensively presenting the life, customs, concerns, and joys of people living in the region. The spacious multi-story manor, completed in 1753, was built by Bishop Márton Padányi Bíró of Veszprém.
The City Sports and Recreation Park is located at the Market Square named ‘Trhovisko’, between the MOL ARENA football stadium and the city sports hall. In close proximity to modern playgrounds and sports fields, various local events are held here, such as the Žitný ostrov Fair, Christmas Markets, and St. George’s Day celebrations.
The Rose Garden was officially opened in June 2017 in the Ružový háj district. The garden features 150 rose varieties of its own selection by Dunajská Streda breeder Szilveszter Győry, as well as 100 varieties from a late Hungarian garden engineer. Shade-giving trees, vibrant colors, and the scent of flowers refresh anyone who discovers this rose garden hidden among residential buildings in the heart of the city.
In 1905, Ferenc Vermes, a landowner and district judge, built a single-story house here. In 1909, the then-owner modernized, expanded, and adorned the building with towers, giving it its current appearance. During World War II, the building served as a German, and later Russian, military headquarters. Later, it was used as a pioneer house, and between 1988 and 2002, it housed a department of the Slovak National Gallery. In 2005, it was purchased by the Municipal Government of Dunajská Streda, and after renovations, it became home to the Gallery of Contemporary Hungarian Artists.
On Ármin Vámbéry Square stands the oldest historical and religious monument of the town. In the Árpád-era period, a wooden chapel likely stood on this site, forming the foundation of today’s stone church, whose oldest parts—the sanctuary, main nave, and tower—are traditionally dated to 1329. The square, commonly known as Church Square, was redesigned with Imre Makovecz’s work in mind. Previously, the old town had been almost entirely leveled and surrounded by panel buildings that hid the Catholic church. Makovecz’s concept aimed to soften this panel-style appearance.
At the end of our tour, we return to the starting point. In 1995, the process of creating a new look for the town began. Initially, some buildings on Main Street opposite the Town Hall were renovated. Today, behind Makovecz’s walls, there are shops, offices, and even a restaurant.
