The Island of Zitny Ostrov – Slovakia
Extending from Bratislava to Korman in southwestern Slovakia, Zitny Ostrov (Rye Island) is Europe's biggest river island. It is so large that most tourists are not aware of being on one. It lies between the Danube, and its slower running off-shoot the Little Danube, in the Danubian Plain.
Several rivers flow across it and the dark alluvial soil deposits make it the most fertile land in Slovakia. The island also contains central Europe's largest storage of high quality potable water and it has the warmest and driest climate in Slovakia.
A beautiful area of marshes, natural and man-made lakes and rich farmland, the south has been designated a Protected Landscape. The calm waters of the Little Danube provide excellent boating through the alluvial forests. While on the water, the controversial hydroelectric dam at Gabcikovo may also be visited.
Zitny Ostrov has two main towns, both of which have deep Hungarian influences. DunajskA Streda has a majority Hungarian population, though the only reminder of a significant Jewish minority is a 1991 memorial. There is also evidence of Bronze Age settlement here.
In the late 1990s the town centre was rebuilt with unique white buildings capped by towers and elaborate tiled roofs. A large thermal park offers year-round bathing in naturally heated water.
Komarno, Slovakia's main port, lies on the Hungarian border. A bridge leads into Hungarian Komarom, which used to be part of Komarno. Here two thirds of the population speak Hungarian and the street signs are in two languages.
Europe Place is a large shopping and tourist centre built in a variety of European architectural forms. A native son of Komamo, Franz Lehar, is honoured with a biennial music festival, whilst the annual Komarno Days Festival celebrates Slovak and Hungarian culture.
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