Uzhhorod Castle: history, address, photo

In Uzhgorod there is one ancient place where you can enjoy a combination of magnificent nature and ancient history. This is the oldest fortress of the Carpathian region, located on a volcanic hill in a very favorable place: at the junction of the lowlands and mountains.

This Uzhgorod castle was mentioned in many annals, which may indicate its historical value. In ancient times, this majestic 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 he was built, they can tell the documentary evidence that has survived since 904, which refers to this fortress as a fortified wooden stronghold, located on the banks of the Uzh.

During the reign of the Hungarians on the territory of Carpathian Rus, this structure more than once successfully reflected the onslaught of the Polovtsian horde, thanks to which in 1087 the fortress became the patrimony of Hungarian kings.

In 1241, the Uzhgorod castle was almost destroyed by the Tatar-Mongolian horde and was reconstructed only a century and a half later, but as a stone stronghold.

Revival of the building

In the period from 1322 to 1691 the fortress was in the possession of the Druget family. In these years, the restoration of the palace was carried out, along the perimeter of the structure, powerful defense walls were built and the ditch was significantly deepened.

In 1984, the last representative of this magnate dynasty was executed, Uzhhorod Castle was transferred to the estate of the wife of Christina Berenchi, who was the only heir of the Druget family. The newly-made master made his residence from the fortress and turned it into a magnificent palace, surrounded by parks and gardens.

Not the least role was played by this structure 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 militias and representatives of Peter I, during which the Russian sovereign promised military assistance to the insurgents in exchange On the crown of Hungary, but this was never to come true.

In 1711, the fortress was surrendered to the Austrian garrison, so all works of art, valuables, furniture and luxury items were taken to Vienna. In 1728, the Uzhgorod Castle was covered by a large fire, after which the third tier of his palace has not been restored to this day.

Then this structure was transferred to the church, which professed the Greek Catholic faith. Therefore, since 1777 and for the next two hundred years in the halls of the residence there was a theological seminary, 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 and nowadays.

Description

In the style of the late Renaissance, the Uzhgorod Castle (Uzhgorod) was built. His photo shows that he is a three-story palace with majestic columns and defensive structures. In the northern part of the fortress, where the ditch is located, you can see a steep cliff that served in ancient times as a natural barrier to all enemies who decided to attack the city from this side.

Before the construction is installed a sculpture of Hercules, which kills the hydra. This statue is considered to be the oldest in Uzhgorod. Nearby it is another art object of the time - a resting Hermes.

The interior of the palace, restored only as a result of the reconstruction in 1968, can only give a partial idea of the former wealth and grandeur of this building. Since before our time did not reach the beautiful decoration of the castle, such as the Dutch tapestries, Persian carpets, wonderful canvases and much more.

In the eastern part of the courtyard you can see the remains of the foundation of the church, built in the thirteenth century and serving as the tomb of the Druget dynasty.

Expositions

But apart from interesting history and beautiful architecture, the fortress places in its forty rooms more than one hundred thousand different exhibits. The museum is divided into four sections:

• The natural department, where there are also many items that tell about the geography, fauna and flora of this region of Ukraine.

• Collections of archeology, many of which are devoted to the bronze products of the Middle Ages.

• The ethnographic section is represented by items of household utensils, musical instruments and other exhibits dating back to the 16th century.

• The department of book printing 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, which were recreated by sketches, medieval drawings, engravings and photographs. In addition, there is a restaurant in the building with a platform, overhanging the defensive moat, and a hall for tasting Transcarpathian wines.

The given expositions are considered the greatest in the country, therefore this lock is the present find for those who is fond of culture and history.

Legend

Many tourists this ancient building, located in Uzhgorod, still attracts with its ancient belief, according to which ghosts are found in its walls. This story dates back to the time when Knight Druget was the owner of the fortress, he was known as a fearless warrior. He had a beautiful daughter with amazing beauty.

In those times, Polish troops wanted to conquer the city by any means. Therefore, one gentry governor decided to enter Uzhgorod and find out how things are going with the defense there. It was in him fell in love with Druget's daughter and told him how to defeat his father. Knight, learning about such a betrayal, decided to wall her alive in the fortress wall. Therefore, many people say that when the bad weather is coming, you can hear a girl's crying at this place.

Helpful information

In addition, various interesting events and celebrations are held on the territory of this fortress, mostly confined to some historical dates and events. Also there are performances of local musical and theatrical collectives, they demonstrate their products of the master of national crafts and even you can see real knight tournaments.

Every day, except Monday, open for visits Uzhgorod Castle. The schedule of his work is as follows: from 09:00 am to 17:00 pm without a break.

Admission fee for adults is ten hryvnia, and for children and students - 5. In addition, you can also book a tour of the entire fortress, which will cost 50 UAH per person.

Contact details

From all of the above, we can conclude that this building is a real historical heritage of the country. Therefore, those who wish to learn more about Ukrainian culture, undoubtedly, should visit Uzhgorod Castle. Its address is as follows: Transcarpathian region, Uzhhorod city, Kapitulnaya street, house 33.

On 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 is this structure, there goes any type of transport. For example, if you choose to travel by private car, then you should take the route E 50, which starts from Lugansk and runs through the whole of Ukraine. It passes through all the major cities.

In the event that the city arrive by train, then take bus number five, which passes by the railway station, and then get off at the stop "Koryatovich". Also, any taxi can easily be delivered to Castle Hill.

This fortress is the most valuable historical and architectural monument of this region of the country. Here you can learn the whole history of the wonderful Carpathian region and plunge into the era of knights.