Zamárdi

Zamárdi is a famous holiday town in Somogy County, Hungary known for its beaches at Lake Balaton and for its music festivals during the summer (e.g. Strand Festival, Balaton Sound etc.).

The settlement is part of the Balatonboglár wine region.

Etymology
There are several explanations of the origin of the name of Zamárdi.
 According to one theory the village was called before the Mongol invasion Kis Szent Mártir which later changed to Zamárdi. However there is no proof for that.
 The older part of the village is on the hill, so the residents brought water on the back of donkeys. Therefore the village was called Szamárd after szamár () and -d suffix.
 The most accepted theory states that the name derives from a person name Zamar or Somar. He could be the first owner of the village.

History
Before the arrival of the Hungarians at the turn of the 9th and 10th centuries, the area was populated by Avars. In 1972, a large Avaric cemetery was discovered in the village.

Residents
 Zoltán Kocsis, Hungarian virtuoso pianist, conductor, and composer

International relations

Twin towns — Sister cities
Zamárdi is twinned with:

External links 
 Official homepage
 Street map (Hungarian)

References

Category:Populated places in Somogy County
Category:History of Somogy