Dunakeszi

The city of Dunakeszi is often called the gate to the Danube Bend. The first written document dating the town was written in 1125. The first census in 1715 counted 18 families. The strength of the region was its agriculture, and by 1870 it was one of the prime tomato producing areas in Europe. But still it remained a backwater hamlet of Budapest until the 19th century, when it was noted that the smooth riding terrain was good, not just for tomatoes, but for horse racing as well. By the beginning of the 20th century, the population had exploded as racing stables and estates began to cover the countryside and swallow up the tomato patches. In the Alag district of Dunakeszi, where horse breeders and racing tracks established the neighborhood, wealth exploded, so much so that the Jockey Club paid all the taxes of the district. Stablemen arrived, not just from Hungary, from Tiszaszolos and Tata, but from other countries of Europe. From as far away as England, jockeys, horses and trainees arrived in Dunakeszi. Wealth led to further industrialization, but also a social imbalance. As always, the stark contrast of great wealth against dire poverty brought its own twisted reconciliation. The area became a center of leftist movements and, as the Russians drew near toward the end of WWII, the citizens of Dunakeszi prevented the dismantling of the railroad and industrial equipment. After the war, going into the 1950s, the area was restored. Today the Hungarian Horse Racing Company cares for it. Throughbreds and trotters are trained, stabled and raced on the hundreds of acres at Dunadkeszi stables, and many have won numerous Austrian and Bavarian derbies. But further inland from the Duna shore, heading east on Kossuth Lajos street takes us to the next community, Fót. Here, the income from horses financed the beautiful four-tower Romantic-style Cathedral (at Vörösmarty út 2), which was built by Count István Károlyi according to the designs of Miklós Ybl between 1845 and 1855. The count was a great patron of horses and of the arts.

The Károly (Charles) Castle was also expanded using the designs of Miklós Ybl and now this castle’s park, ceremonial hall, church and the Vörösmarty wine cellar, can be visited on Somlyó Mountain. Locals in the same vicinity celebrate the Fót Autumn Festival.

Göd 

The town of Göd sounds like Gerd, as in herd. If you pronounce it like the English God, that will confuse a Hungarian completely. However, there is an ancient Scythian legend about the sword of God. According to this legend, those who possessed the sword were invincible and destined to rule the world. Based on Hungarian legend, the Isten Kardja (Sword of God) was acquired by Attila the Hun, a sign that he would be the most powerful ruler on earth. Afterward, he conquered the barbarian tribes, and the Roman Empire, uniting his namesake Huns in the most powerful empire in the world. The legend identifies the wielder of this sword as the scourge of God, sent to punish evil and destroy its roots. So now you know why Attila the Hun was often referred to as the scourge of God and, all things considered, there may have been some truth to this.

Göd is one of the most favored weekend resort areas on the west bank. From spring to autumn the golf course here is full. From here we next come to Vác, the historical, cultural and administrative center of the countryside on the left side of the Danube.