Until the nineteenth century, the White Körös River flowed through the channel bed that is now known as the Élővíz Canal. Since the city has flooded several times in the past, this water bed course adjustment through the canal was necessary so that the waters of the White Körös River, between the towns of Gyula and Békés, were directed into a new channel. The problem was solved by building a dam on the White Körös River so the townspeople could still have a viable water source. The Élővíz Canal left its mark on the map of Gyula since it traverses the city through a 5 km stretch. Willows were planted adjacent to and on both sides of the river and the banks were lined with linden trees. Locals and tourists alike enjoy walking or jogging along the riverside. A nice coincidence is that the length of the canal that crosses the city is proportional to the length of Gyula, as is the Danube River in Budapest. The most beautiful part of the Living Water Canal can probably be seen from the Kapus Bridge. This bridge attracts many people because it is in the city center; it is marvelously constructed with brick and stone; and one can view the canal lined with weeping willows to the east and west.
Contact
- 5700 Gyula, Bodoky utca
