Shenbornov Castle, Transcarpathia: description, history

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

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

Shenborn Castle in Mukachevo

This building has a unique design. A huge number of different small towers, which are covered with excellent tiles, adorn 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 family estate began in 1840, when a wooden building stood on the site of the castle. This building was part of the numerous possessions of Count Shenborn. He and his friends were very fond of hunting, so he often visited the estate. After not so much deliberation, it was decided to build a full-fledged estate, where you could relax after the hunt and show off your trophies. No one then suspected that later this estate would become the legendary pearl of the entire Transcarpathian region.

Begin construction of the castle

Schoenborn Castle was built in 1892. As with most castles of the time, the count decided to use the astronomical structure of the building so that it would not stand out from other castles around the world. The count was very meticulous about his estate, 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 entrances are associated with the number of months.

This design creation is built entirely of brick. The roofs of its numerous towers are covered with figured tiles, which at that time only rich landowners could afford. Due to the fact that all four towers are made in various styles, one gets the impression that this is not one whole building, but several structures that literally grow out of the rock. It is thanks to this technology that Schönborn Castle is in perfect harmony with the surrounding landscape and terrain.

Interior decoration

Besides the delightful beauty of the castle's facade, it is also quite attractive inside. There is no luxury here at all. It is displayed as much as possible for all guests. Presented here:

• stairs made of solid oak;
• luxury natural stone fireplaces;
• heraldic lion heads.

If you visit the chapel, which is located on the second floor of the delightful castle, you can enjoy the beauties of the stained glass windows, which are decorated with ornaments in the form of numerousfamily coats of arms and crosses. The glass doors and windows above them were decorated with biblical paintings. Schönborn Castle itself is located in the heart of the English park, which occupies nineteen hectares of land in its area.

Castle location

The architects who built the castle were able to find a great place to build. Thanks to this, it was not necessary to make changes in the vicinity of the castle at all. After all, nature was able to independently take care of the fact that the views delighted the eyes of any guest.

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

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

Thanks to such a wide variety, in those days, 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 tree planting

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

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

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

Reconstruction to a sanatorium

From the beginning of 1946, the Schönborn Castle, stunning in its beauty, began to be considered a sanatorium. It can simultaneously accommodate 650 visitors within its walls, which can be accommodated in three bedroom buildings. Also on the territory of the current sanatorium there is:

• concert hall;
• swimming pool;
• arboretum.

These are just the benefits that are needed to treat people with pathology of the heart system and respiratory organs.

Schoenborn Castle: how to get there by car

Of course, the most exciting travel option would be to drive 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 downside to this tripis that you will have to look for these places on your own. After all, there are no signs of sights on the roads.

In order to visit all the surroundings, you need to buy a map in advance, mark the places on it with bold dots. If you have a powerful navigator, then you can download the map to it, so that you definitely do not go astray during the trip.

Therefore, you should be very careful not to miss the turn that will lead you to this beautiful castle. In order not to stray from the route, you need to look for a sign on the road with the inscription "Carpathians". There are two of them on your way. The first will indicate the name of the village, but the second will directly indicate to you the desired turn to the castle. It will be on the right side, so you need not to miss it.

As soon as you turn, after a few kilometers, a tower will appear on the horizon, which is made in pink shades. This is a railway station. At the STOP sign, turn left where the car park is located. You can also pay for the entrance ticket there, and the kind cashier will explain in detail how to get to the castle.

By train or minibus

But if you don't have your own car, you can use the train, which will take you right to the entrance to the territory of the sanatorium. The train runs every day in this direction from the station "Mukachevo" (Ukraine).

If you want to enjoy the beauty and scenery along the way, you can take a taxi. The minibus departs from the bus station of Uzhgorod and goes straight to the cherished goal. This direction is called "Uzhgorod - Svalyava". How to get to the castle, we told you. The choice depends only on your preferences and capabilities.