In Uzhgorod there is one ancient place where you can enjoy a combination of magnificent nature and ancient history. We are talking about the oldest fortress of the Carpathian region, located on a hill of volcanic origin in a very good place: at the junction of lowlands and mountains.
This Uzhgorod castle was mentioned in many chronicles, which may indicate its historical value. In ancient times, this magnificent building served as a defensive structure, and at the moment it is a unique open-air museum.
Early period of history
Many local historians and archaeologists believe that the Uzhgorod castle was built by the tribes of the Eastern Slavs. When it was built, they can tell documentary information that has been preserved since 904, which refers to this fortress as a fortified wooden stronghold located on the banks of Uzh.
During the reign of the Hungarians in the territory of Carpathian Rus, this building more than once successfully reflected the onslaught of the Polovtsian horde, thanks to which in 1087 the fortress became the ancestral estate of the Hungarian kings.
In 1241, the Uzhgorod castle was almost destroyed by the Tatar-Mongol horde and was reconstructed only after a century and a half, but already as a stone stronghold.
Building revival
In the period from 1322 to 1691, the fortress was in the possession of the Druget family. During these years, the palace was restored, along the perimeter of the structure the most powerful defense walls were erected and the moat deepened significantly.
In 1984, the last representative of this magnate dynasty was executed, Uzhgorod castle passed into the possession of the spouse Christina Berenchi, who was the only heiress of the Druget family. The newly-made owner made his residence out of the fortress and turned it into a magnificent palace surrounded by parks and gardens.
This building played an important role during the attacks on Uzhgorod during the anti-Habsburg war, which lasted from 1703 to 1711. It was in this castle that negotiations were held between the leaders of the Hungarian militia and representatives of Peter I, during which the Russian sovereign promised military assistance to the rebels in exchange to the crown of Hungary, but this was never destined to come true.
In 1711, the fortress was surrendered to the Austrian garrison, so all works of art, valuables, furniture and luxury were taken to Vienna. In 1728, Uzhgorod castle was engulfed in a big fire, after which the third tier of its palace has not been restored to this day.
Then this building was transferred to the church, professing the Greek Catholic faith. Therefore, since 1777 and for the next two hundred years, the seminary was located in the halls of the residence, which only in 1946 left this building and gave way to the local history museum of Transcarpathia, which operates within the walls of the fortress today.
Description
In the style of the late Renaissance, the Uzhgorod castle (Uzhgorod) was built. His photos show that it is a three-story palace with majestic columns and defensive structures. In the northern part of the fortress, where the moat is located, you can see a steep cliff, which served in ancient times as a natural barrier to all enemies who decided to attack the city from this side.
Before the construction, a sculpture of Hercules killing the hydra is installed. This statue is considered to be the oldest in Uzhgorod. Not far from it is another piece of art of that time - the resting Hermes.
The interior of the palace, restored only as a result of the reconstruction of 1968, can only give a partial idea of the former wealth and grandeur of this building. Since the beautiful castle decorations, such as Dutch tapestries, Persian carpets, wonderful paintings and much more, have not reached our times.
In the eastern part of the courtyard you can see the remains of the foundation of the church, erected in the thirteenth century and served as the tomb of the Druget dynasty.
Expositions
But besides an interesting history and beautiful architecture, the fortress has more than one hundred thousand different exhibits in its forty rooms. The museum is divided into four sections:
The natural department, where there are also many objects that tell about the geography, fauna and flora of this region of Ukraine.
Archeology collections, many of which are dedicated to bronze items of the Middle Ages.
The ethnographic section is represented by household utensils, musical instruments and other exhibits from the 16th century.
The printing department has created a unique collection of manuscripts dating back to the fifteenth century.
In the basement of the fortress are the so-called torture rooms, represented by collections that were recreated from sketches, medieval drawings, prints and photographs. In addition, the building also houses a restaurant with a platform overhanging the defensive moat, and a hall for tasting Transcarpathian wines.
These expositions are considered the largest in the country, so this castle is a real find for those who are interested in culture and history.
Legend
This ancient building, located in Uzhgorod, still attracts many tourists with its ancient belief, according to which ghosts are found in its walls. This story dates back to the time when the owner of the fortress was Knight Druget, who was known as a fearless warrior. He had a beautiful daughter, possessing amazing beauty.
In those days, Polish troops wanted to conquer the city by any means. Therefore, one gentry governor decided to enter Uzhgorod and find out how things are with the defense there. It was he who fell in love with the friend of Druget and told him how to defeat his father. The knight, having learned of such a betrayal, decided to immure her alive in the fortress wall. Therefore, many people say that when the weather is coming, you can hear a girl crying in this place.
Helpful information
In addition, various interesting events and holidays are held on the territory of this fortress, mainly dedicated to any historical dates and events. Also, there are performances by local music and theater groups, craftsmen demonstrate their products and you can even see real knightly tournaments.
Every day, except Mondays, Uzhgorod Castle is open for visits. His work schedule is as follows: from 09:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. without a break.
The entrance ticket for adults is ten hryvnias, and for children and students - 5. At the same time, you can still book a tour of the entire fortress, which will cost 50 UAH per person.
Contact details
From the foregoing, we can conclude that this building is a real historical heritage of the country. Therefore, those who want to learn more about Ukrainian culture should definitely visit Uzhgorod Castle. His address is as follows: Transcarpathian region, the city of Uzhgorod, Kapitulnaya street, 33.
For all questions of interest, you can call the following phone numbers: +3 (03122) 362-35, +3 (03122) 345-42, or +3 (03122) 344-42.
How to get there
From anywhere in the country it will be easy to get to Uzhgorod Castle. Where this building is located, any type of transport goes there. For example, if you choose to travel by car, you should use the E 50 highway, which starts from Lugansk and runs through the whole of Ukraine. It passes through all major cities.
In the event that you arrive by train in the city, then you should use bus number five, which passes by the railway station, and then get off at the Koryatovich stop. Also, any taxi can easily deliver to Castle Hill.
This fortress is the most valuable historical and architectural monument of this region of the country. Here you can find out the whole history of the wonderful Carpathian region and plunge into the era of knights.