Besides the large and famous rivers already described, Hungary also contains several smaller rivers that deserve attention. These rivers were mentioned even by ancient writers such as Pliny, who considered them important and worthy of note. Though smaller in size, they played a meaningful role in travel, trade, and local life.
One of these rivers is the Sarvizza, also known as the Orpanus. It rises near a place once called Fejérvár and flows past Alba Regalis, known today as Székesfehérvár. From there, it continues its course until it joins the Danube. I personally crossed this river at a place called Jem, or Nova Palanka The Great River Danube in Hungary.
Another river is the Walpo, also called the Vulpamus. This river rises above the town of Walpo, which was captured by Sultan Suleiman during his march toward Alba Regalis, also known as Stuhlweissenburg. We crossed this river near Walcovar, where it forms an important passage.
There is also the River Bejneth, or Bacunthus, which flows into the River Sava not far from the ancient city of Sirmium. Though smaller than the Danube or the Drava, these rivers were still useful and well known in their regions.
Hungary’s Skill in Bridge Building
Just as Hungary excels in rivers, it is also remarkable for its many strong and well-designed bridges. Some of these bridges are among the longest and most impressive in Europe. They were built to connect important cities and allow the movement of people, goods, and armies.
One notable example is the long bridge of boats across the Danube between Strigonium, known today as Esztergom, and Barcar. This is the first bridge encountered on the Danube when traveling downstream from the great wooden bridge at Vienna. The bridge in Vienna itself is a massive structure, built using more than two thousand trees to support its planks Sofia Daily Tours.
Bridges of Boats and Turkish Engineering
Near St. Andrew’s Island, close to Vironichitz, I noticed a stone quarry. The Turks told us that a stone bridge once stood there in earlier times. However, in these regions, the Turks preferred to build bridges made of boats. They considered them more practical and flexible.
These bridges of boats were skillfully designed. They could be opened to allow ships and heavy vessels to pass through. Anyone who sees these bridges in Hungary and nearby lands will not be surprised by similar bridges in Rouen or Grenoble in France.
Famous Bridges Across the Danube
Between the cities of Buda and Pest, there is a remarkable bridge of boats over the Danube. At this point, the river flows as a single strong stream, more than half a mile wide. This bridge is the finest example of its kind that I have seen. If King Sigismund had lived long enough to complete his plan to build a great stone bridge here, it would likely have had no equal in Europe.
There is also a fine bridge at Kalocsa, once an archbishop’s seat, and another well-designed bridge at Walcovar over the River Walpo. These bridges show careful planning and strong construction.
The Great Bridge of Essek
The most extraordinary bridge of all is found at Essek, known in ancient times as Mursa. This bridge is almost without equal in Europe. It is built partly over the River Drava and partly over wide marshlands that are often flooded.
The bridge stretches for at least five miles and has towers placed every quarter mile along its length. It is safely railed on both sides and supported by large wooden pillars. Under each arch stand nine or ten massive trees arranged in rows.
During the recent Turkish wars between Emperor Leopold I and Sultan Mehmed IV, the part of the bridge over the Drava was burned by Count Nicholas Zrinyi. It was later replaced with a bridge of boats, built slightly below the original location. I crossed this new bridge in September 1663. The Turks chose not to rebuild the bridge in the exact same place.
These rivers and bridges show the skill, strength, and practical knowledge found in Hungary. Together, they supported travel, trade, and military movement and remain lasting signs of the country’s importance in European history.
