Schönborn Castle, Transcarpathia: description, history

Even in ancient times, the castle of the counts of Shenborn was considered the hunting residence of the family. But with the advent of the times of the USSR it was converted into a sanatorium, which remained to this day. It was built in the late nineteenth century.

Schönborn Castle in Mukacheve

This building has a unique design. A huge number of different small towers, which are covered with excellent tiles, decorate the main building. The building is made in the style of Austria-Hungary. The castle itself is located on the territory of the Carpathians (Transcarpathian region, Ukraine). This sanatorium has been bearing the same name for many years.

The history of the patrimonial estate began back in 1840, when the place of the castle was a building made of wood. This structure was part of the numerous possessions of the earl of Schönborn. He liked to hunt with his friends, so he often visited the estate. After not so long reflections, it was decided to erect a full-fledged manor house, in which one could rest after hunting and boast of trophies. Nobody then and did not suspect, that subsequently this estate becomes the legendary pearl of all Transcarpathian edge.

The beginning of the construction of the castle

Schönborn Castle was built in 1892. As for most of the castles of the time, the Earl decided to use the astronomical structure of the building so that it would not stand out against the background of other castles around the world. The Count was very diligent towards his manor, so there are 365 windows in it, which symbolizes the number of days in one year. Fifty-two rooms symbolize the number of weeks in a year. And twelve separate inputs are associated with the number of months.

This design creation is completely erected from a brick. The roofs of its numerous towers are covered with curly tiles, which at that time only rich landlords could afford. Due to the fact that all four towers are made in a variety of styles, there is such an impression that this is not one whole building, but several structures that grow literally from the rock. It is thanks to this technology that the Schönborn Castle is in perfect harmony with the surrounding landscape and terrain.

Interior finish

In addition to the delightful beauty of the facade of the castle, it is quite attractive inside. Luxury is not hidden here. It is maximally exposed to the show for all guests. Here are presented:

• Stairs made of solid oak;
• Luxurious fireplaces made of natural stone;
• Heraldic heads of lions.

If you visit the chapel, which is located on the second floor of a delightful castle, you can enjoy the beauty of the stained glass windows, which are decorated with ornaments in the form of numerous family crests and crosses. The glass doors and windows above them were decorated with biblical themes. The Schönborn castle itself is located in the heart of an English park, which occupies nineteen hectares of land in its area.

Location of the castle

Architects, who were engaged in the construction of the castle, were able to find an excellent place to build. Due to this, there was absolutely no need to make changes in the neighborhood of the castle. After all, nature was able to take care of it on its own that the views delighted the eyes of any guest.

It is worth noting that in this park are collected unique tree species that were brought here from almost all corners of the earth. There are more than forty varieties of deciduous and coniferous trees. Among the rarest are:

• Catalpa.
• Chinese cherry.
• Boxwood.
• Canadian spruce.
• Pink beech.

Due to such wide variety, in those times, as in ours, this park was considered the most delightful in the whole country, and the Transcarpathian region became known to the whole world.

Original planting of trees

The planting of trees was also at the highest level. Due to the fact that they are planted by separate groups of inflorescences, you can enjoy the beauties of a separate species at any time of the year. But while you can admire the rest of the trees and compare their beauty against the background of others. The pond, which is located in the park, in its outline is clearly reminiscent of the borders of the Habsburg Empire.

In the heart of the garden is a source of crystal clear water. If you believe the ancient legends, everyone who tries water from it, will receive an extraordinary surge of vigor and strength for a whole year. Thanks to all these advantages and beauty, the glory of the castle spread literally all over the world.

At the beginning of 1938, the hunting castle of Shenborn was seriously interested in a man named Hermann Goering, who at that time was the Reichsmarschall in Germany. Representatives of this influential person for a long time negotiated with the owner of the castle about the possibility of acquiring it. But despite the excellent price that they offered, the sale was denied.

Reconstruction to a sanatorium

Since the beginning of 1946, the magnificent Schönborn Castle has become a sanatorium. It can simultaneously accommodate 650 visitors in its walls, which can be located in three sleeping buildings. Also on the territory of the current sanatorium there are:

• concert hall;
• swimming pool;
• arboretum.

These are just the advantages that are necessary for treating people with pathology of the heart system and respiratory organs.

Schönborn Castle: how to get there by car

Of course, the most exciting variant of the trip will be a trip on your own car. After all, from Mukachevo (Ukraine) to the castle on your way you will meet the indescribable beauty of the area, as well as various sights. The only disadvantage in this trip is that you will have to find these places on your own. After all, the roads do not provide pointers to attractions.

In order to visit all the neighborhoods, you need to buy a map in advance, marking places with bold spots on it. If you have a powerful navigator, then you can download the map to it, so as not to get lost during the trip.

Therefore, you should be very careful not to slip a turn that will lead you to this beautiful castle. To avoid getting off the route, you need to look for a road sign with the inscription "Carpathians" on the road. There are two of them on your way. The first will denote the name of the village, but the second one will directly indicate to you the right turn to the castle. It will be on the right side, so you do not have to miss it.

As soon as you turn, a few kilometers along the horizon there will be a tower, which is made in pink shades. This is a railway station. Near the STOP sign you need to turn left, where there is parking for cars. There you can pay an entrance ticket, and the kind cashier will explain in detail how to get to the castle.

By train or minibus

But if you do not have your own car, you can use an electric train that will drive you right up to the entrance to the sanatorium. The train every day goes in this direction from the station "Mukachevo" (Ukraine).

If you want to enjoy the beauty and scenery during the trip, you can go on a fixed-route taxi. The minibus departs from Uzhhorod bus station and follows straight to the cherished goal. This direction is called "Uzhgorod - Svaliava". How to get to the castle, we told you. The choice depends on your preferences and capabilities.