Párkány

Párkány is the Hungarian name for the town of Štúrovo, located in southern Slovakia, on the border with Hungary. It is situated on the left bank of the Danube River, directly opposite the Hungarian town of Esztergom. The two towns are connected by the Mária Valéria Bridge, a significant crossing point that has been rebuilt several times throughout history.

The history of Párkány is closely tied to that of Esztergom. The area has been inhabited since ancient times, with evidence of Roman settlements. During the Kingdom of Hungary, the settlement played a strategic role due to its location on the Danube. After the dissolution of Austria-Hungary following World War I, Párkány became part of Czechoslovakia, and later Slovakia. The town was renamed Štúrovo in honor of the Slovak national revivalist Ľudovít Štúr in 1948.

Párkány is primarily an agricultural and industrial center. Its location on the Danube has facilitated trade and transportation. The town is also known for its thermal spa, which attracts visitors seeking relaxation and therapeutic benefits. The Mária Valéria Bridge, while damaged and rebuilt multiple times, remains a vital link between Slovakia and Hungary, fostering economic and cultural exchange. The population of Párkány is predominantly Slovak, with a significant Hungarian minority.