There is one ancient place in Uzhgorod where you can enjoy a combination of magnificent nature and ancient history. We are talking about the oldest fortress in 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 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 it was built, they can tell documentary information that has been preserved since 904, which speaks of 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 building more than once successfully repelled the onslaught of the Polovtsian horde, thanks to which in 1087 the fortress became the family estate of the Hungarian kings.
B1241 Uzhgorod castle was practically 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, powerful defensive walls were erected around the perimeter of the structure and the moat was significantly deepened.
In 1984, the last representative of this magnate dynasty was executed, the Uzhgorod castle passed into the possession of her husband Christina Berenchi, who was the only heiress of the Druget family. The newly minted owner turned the fortress into his residence 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 militias and representatives of Peter I, during which the Russian sovereign promised military assistance to the rebels in exchange for the crown of Hungary, but this was never to be.
In 1711, the fortress was handed over to the Austrian garrison, so all works of art, valuables, furniture and luxury were taken to Vienna. In 1728, the 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 handed over to the church, which professed the Greek Catholic faith. Therefore, from 1777 and over the next two hundred years, inThe halls of the residence housed a theological seminary, which only left this building in 1946 and gave way to the local history museum of Transcarpathia, which operates within the walls of the fortress to this day.
Description
Uzhgorod Castle (Uzhgorod) was built in the late Renaissance style. Photos of it 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 in ancient times served as a natural barrier to all enemies who decided to attack the city from this side.
In front of the building there is a sculpture of Hercules killing the hydra. 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 in 1968, can only give a partial idea of the former we alth and grandeur of this building. Since the beautiful decorations of the castle, such as Dutch tapestries, Persian carpets, wonderful paintings and much more, have not survived to 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.
Exposures
But in addition to an interesting history and beautiful architecture, the fortress houses more than a hundred thousand different exhibits in its forty rooms. Museumdivided into four sections:
- Natural department, where there are also many items that tell about the geography, fauna and flora of this region of Ukraine.
- Archaeological collections, many of which are devoted to bronze items from the Middle Ages.
- The ethnographic section is represented by household items, musical instruments and other exhibits from the 16th century.
- The Printing Department has created a unique collection of manuscripts dating back as far as the fifteenth century.
In the basement of the fortress are the so-called torture chambers, represented by collections that have been recreated from sketches, medieval drawings, engravings and photographs. In addition, the building also houses a restaurant with a platform hanging over a 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 fond of culture and history.
Legend
This ancient building, located in Uzhgorod, attracts many tourists with its old belief, according to which ghosts live in its walls. This story dates back to the time when the owner of the fortress was the knight Druget, who was reputed to be a fearless warrior. He had a beautiful daughter who was amazingly beautiful.
In those very times, the Polish troops wanted to conquer the city by any means. Therefore, one gentry governor decided to penetrate intoUzhgorod and find out how things are with the defense there. It was with him that the daughter of Druget fell in love and told him how to defeat her father. The knight, having learned about such a betrayal, decided to wall her up alive in the fortress wall. Therefore, many people say that when bad weather comes, you can hear the girl's cry in this place.
Useful information
In addition, various interesting events and holidays are held on the territory of this fortress, mainly dedicated to some historical dates and events. It also hosts performances by local musical and theater groups, craftsmen demonstrate their products, and you can even see real jousting tournaments.
Every day, except Monday, Uzhgorod Castle is open for visits. Its work schedule is as follows: from 09:00 am to 17:00 pm without a break.
The cost of an entrance ticket for adults is ten hryvnia, and for children and students - 5 hryvnia. At the same time, you can also book a tour of the entire fortress, which will cost 50 hryvnia 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 should definitely visit the Uzhhorod Castle. Its address is as follows: Transcarpathian region, Uzhgorod city, Kapitulna street, house 33.
For all questions, you can callby 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 Uzhhorod Castle. Where this building is located, any type of transport goes there. For example, if you choose to travel by private 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 in the city by train, then you should take bus number five, which passes by the railway station, and then get off at the Koryatovicha stop. Also, any taxi can easily deliver to the 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.
