Baja

Baja–the second most populous settlement in Bács-Kiskun county–is the most significant centre of industry, commerce, and tourism along the lower section of the Hungarian Danube. Thanks to its bridge across the Danube and its river port, Baja is a significant hub of both land and inland water traffic. By public road, it is accessible via Roads 51 and 55. Its railway station forms part of the Bátaszék–Baja–Kiskunhalas line. Every summer, there is a hydrofoil service running between Budapest and Baja. The city may also be seen from a river cruise.

Baja boasts of artistic and natural attractions of an exceptional beauty. Over 30 buildings of the city enjoy protection either as monuments or as buildings contributing to the general appeal of the city’s public spaces–they reflect the rich traditions and ethnic diversity of the settlement. A pleasant stroll downtown should start from Szentháromság (“Holy Trinity”) Square, which is adorned by an 18^th century baroque statue. Around the square, the visitor finds a row of hotels and restaurants. Grassalkovich Palace, a building converted in the Neo-Renaissance style, is most beautiful building of the square; currently, it houses the City Hall. Right around the corner, Eötvös utca is downtown’s pedestrian shopping street, which awaits locals and visitors alike with outdoor cafés, ice-cream parlours, and an intimate atmosphere. The pedestrian street runs into Szent Imre Square (named after Hungary’s royal Saint Emeric). Visitors should not miss seeing the church built here in the 18^th century under the double patronage of St. Paul and St. Peter.

One of the greatest attractions of Baja is the Baja fisherman’s soup and the Baja Fish Festival. A real fiesta, the fisherman’s soup contest is organised annually on the second Saturday of July right in the city’s main square and in the streets around it. During the days before and after the main event, a series of programmes (folk dance performances, pop concerts, public lectures) entertain visitors. Some of these events take place on Petőfi-sziget, an island of the River Danube named after Hungary’s 19^th century poet and revolutionary. Bearing the name of István Türr, a prominent public figure hailing from the town, the city’s museum displays local history, ethnological, and archaeological exhibits, and also has an István Türr memorial exhibition. Those interested in culture and the fine arts might consider visiting the István Nagy Gallery and the Éber Memorial House. Each year, a series of eight evening organ concerts are offered to the general public in the city’s churches.

Part of the city of Baja, Petőfi Island attracts visitors with a range of leisure time opportunities. Those interested in sports can use the island’s sports fields, swimming pools, and kayak and canoe rental services. With its beautiful natural environment, the waterfront promenade is ideal for a light stroll or for going for a bicycle ride. The island also has a hotel, a restaurant, and a traditional Hungarian-style roadside tavern called csárda in Hungarian. Across the river, a small river port welcomes boats and ships. Arching across an old tributary of the River Danube called Kamarás (or, using a word borrowed from the languages of the local Slavic ethnic groups, Sugovica) Petőfi Bridge connects the island with downtown Baja. Those fascinated by pristine nature do not have to travel far either–right outside Baja, they may visit both the Gemenc Forest and Nagy-Pandúr Island. Several educational nature trails provide access to these protected natural areas.

Sources: http://baja.hu/, dr. Dusek László: Az Alföld. Cartographia, Budapest. 2000, http://hu.wikipedia.org/, http://www.vendegvaro.hu/