Buza Péter: Bridges of the Danube - Our Budapest (Budapest, 1999)

their lives among the floating debris. Many people managed to make their way ashore on the stairs outside the Parliament, others-some 70 people- were rescued by the crew of the steamer Bihar, the only ship available for help. About 50 people lost their lives in the watery grave of the Danube.

The Buda wing of the ruined bridge was also blown up later. A German officer issued the order to detonate on 18 January 1945.

By May 1946 a temporary pontoon bridge was built only a very short distance upstream. The people of Pest nicknamed it Manci. The 4-metre wide emergency bridge was erected by a carpenter, István Nagy. The rebuilt Margaret Bridge was opened two years later, on 1 August 1948. It was 3 metres wider than the already extended bridge before the war. The luxurious lighting system was not restored but the main contours evoked the elegance of its ill-fated predecessor.

Following a technical survey, the latest renovation was carried out in 1977-78. The main goal was to increase the capacity of the bridge. This was achieved, as in the case of the other bridges of Budapest, by reorganizing the bridge traffic, creating new underpasses and ramps. In the mid and late 1970s it became crystal clear that for the time being the construction of a new bridge was not feasible. Traffic, however, had grown to an almost intolerable level. The only reasonable alternative was to increase the capacity of the existing bridges which, by the end of the first phase of the reconstruction, would improve the overall situation as if another bridge had been built. Modest as the achievement was, the city could afford no more at the time.

Where the king drove in the rivet

In this country just about everyone collects memorabilia. It is a passion for many local residents fond of the city, even a mania for some.

32