Ever wonder where Budapest ends? Soroksár is Budapest’s 23rd district. Let me tell you about this unique part of the city.
Soroksár is the southernmost administrative unit on Pest’s side of the Danube. It shares borders with several districts. Pesterzsébet to the north and Pestszentlőrinc-Pestszentimre to the east. Gyál lies to the southeast. Alsónémedi and Dunaharaszti are to the south. The Ráckevei-Danube separates it from Csepel Island to the west.
Soroksár is mainly flat. It sits 99 to 110 meters above the Baltic Sea. The soil is river sand and loess. The climate is moderately warm and dry.
Budapest officially unified in 1873. The city consists of Buda, Óbuda and Pest.
How did Soroksár become part of Budapest? In 1950, seven cities and sixteen towns joined the capital. This created Greater Budapest. Soroksár seceded from Pesterzsébet in 1994 becoming the 23rd district.
First, let’s explore Soroksár’s history.
Celtic people settled here before 1 AD. Later, the Romans occupied the area. They established Aquincum. Today, this is Óbuda.
Magyar tribes arrived in the late 9th century. They settled the territory. A century later, they founded the Kingdom of Hungary.
King Béla IV ordered stone walls around towns. This was after the Tatar invasion in the 13th century. In 1361 Buda became Hungary’s capital.
The Ottomans conquered Buda in 1541. Their rule lasted over 150 years. In 1686 the Holy League seized Buda. The Ottoman Empire was pushed out of Hungary.
The 19th century was a time of struggle for independence. The Chain Bridge opened in 1849. It linked Buda and Pest. In 1873 Buda, Óbuda and Pest merged to create Budapest.
Sadly, in 1944 Budapest was partly destroyed by air raids. The Battle of Budapest caused major damage. More than 38000 civilians died. All bridges were destroyed.
After World War II Soviet military occupation happened. In 1949 Hungary became a communist People’s Republic. The Soviets left in 1991.
Budapest is divided into twenty-three districts. Each has a mayor and municipal government. The districts have constitutionally defined areas of competence.
Today, Soroksár continues to evolve. It blends its rich history with modern life. The district offers a unique experience within Budapest. It is a testament to the city’s complex story.