My hometown Uzhhorod. Ukraine. Part 1.

 Old Town. Uzhhorod Castle.          

            Don't want to sound boring, but you have to understand what my hometown looks that way I'll start my story from history.

            So, Uzhhorod (uhor. Ungvár, Slovak. Užhorod; Ungvar - until January 1919, 9 November 1938 - October 1944) - a city on the river Uzh, the administrative center of Uzhgorod and Transcarpathia region. Located at 785 km from Kyiv, on the border with Slovakia. Population - 116,304 people. (1 February 2013), phone code +380-312 (2). Altitude -120 m main ethnic groups (according to 2001 Census):

 Ukrainian - 77.8%

 Russians - 9.6%

 Hungarians - 6.9%

 Slovaks - 2.2%

Also living in Roma, Germans, Jews and others. (Only 3.5% of the population).

Over three centuries of historical city centers: Highlanders, Castle Hill and Radvanka.

            As part of the Kingdom of Hungary (903-1526). In the IX century a fortified settlement, the castle on Castle Hill turned in early feudal town-settlement, which became the center of the newly formed Slavic principality headed by Prince Laborets. The event Laborets Duchy bordered on Velykomoravska         Principality, and in the south - the First Bulgarian Empire. Maybe that Uzhhorod settlement at some time was part of their composition. In 894, the Hungarian tribes led Almosha sacred leader and military leader Arpad, and for four days stormed the fortress city, which defended Prince Laborets with his soldiers. But the forces were unequal, and the prince and his army were killed. This fort was burned, and some time later rebuilt has new owners. After the arrival of the Hungarians around the castle begins to grow upset and town. In 1086 Uzhhorod was attacked Cuman Khan Kuteska and take it they could not.

In the years 1241-1242 the Mongol tribes under the leadership of Batu Khan burnt the city. New Town (Unhuyvar) - New orders for Uzhgorod Hungarian King Bela IV, in 1248 built a new place in the modern district of Highlanders. It also built a new fortress and beside her church (rotunda Gorianska).

1290 new owner becomes Chancellor of the Kingdom of Hungary - Omodey Aba. During the feudal wars at the beginning of the XIV century, suffered considerable damage and Uzhgorod. In 1312, the new owner of the fortress was Peter Pete, who already raises 1315 uprising against the King, which for two years has been suppressed.

             The oldest is significant mention of Uzhgorod preserved for card Arab historian al-Idrisi in 1154, where he labeled Hunkbar or Unhu. But he still came before. In Hungarian charters city was called Ungvar, ie "castle by the river Ung." Uzhhorod has long been a center of Russian lands by the Carpathian Mountains and its inhabitants had close trade and cultural relations with Kievan Rus. There is quite a bold version, if a Hungarian nation and state Hungary is derived from the name of Uzhgorod (Ungvar-Hunhvar). Due to the fact that Hungary name comes from the name of Uzhgorod (Ungvar) is generally good and there is a myth, he chronicles the roots of Anonymous . In chronicles known Anonymus says that the Hungarians were here for three days and enjoyed them this land and took the name from Ungvar.

In 1318 the city received new owners - Italian graphs Drugets who owned it for 360 years. Philip Drugets building a new stone fortress on the site of the present castle.

               In 1707 Uzhhorod was the seat of the head of the national liberation war of the Hungarian people Ferenc II Rákóczi. Generally, Uzhgorod XVIII century was famous for its fairs. It came merchants from Slovakia, Germany, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Greece, Russia. At this time, it was built a number of wine cellars and warehouses near the Castle and Daybovetskoyi mountains. At the end of the XVIII century begins upset and left-bank part of the city where the poor are settled.

              The greatest influence on Uzhhorod with political events of the XIX century made the Hungarian Revolution of 1848-1849. March 27, 1848 in officially marked the overthrow of the monarchy in Hungary. To suppress the revolution Habsburg absolutism called for help Tsarist army. Being unable to resist them, liberation war failed. The monarchy was again restored. 1849 Uzhhorod became the center of Rus County new territorial entity in the Austrian Empire, but in 1850 it was eliminated. In 1863 - opened the first printing of the Ukrainian text. In 1869, the first act in Uzhgorod in the Transcarpathian region sawmill, in 1872, began working the first railroad: Uzhgorod-Chop. 1886 built furniture factory "Mundus". 1897 was the first telegraph Uzhgorod, Budapest, and in 1902 was commissioned a first Uzhgorod power.

               The First World War slowed the pace of development. January 12, 1919 Regiment Czechoslovak legionaries took the right-bank part of the city, left bank also remained under the rule of Hungary. A September 10, 1919 Transcarpathia officially became part of the Czechoslovak Republic and Uzhhorod became the administrative center of the province. It was during the Czechoslovak Republic city was modern architectural excellence. But Vienna Award of November 2, 1938 Uzhhorod was transferred to Hungary.

              In 1941, the Hungarian government, which included and Transcarpathia, entered the second world war. By the end of 1944 battles approached the American. The war did not bring any significant city zruynuvan though led to significant changes in the population of the city. In the liberation struggle for the city took part of the Fourth Ukrainian Front, and October 27, 1944 Uzhhorod was saved.

The Soviet period (1945-1991). A new period in the life of the region brought significant changes. On the outskirts of Uzhhorod new enterprises were built and old ones renewed. New residential areas have changed the face of the city.

               Since 1991 and till now the period of independent Ukraine.

Now, knowing the history of my city can start our journey from an area Koryatovicha moving through the old city center in the direction of Sandor Petofi Square.  

As explained above the old city center and the bridges that connect the city levees were built Slovaks as architecture buildings are simply great in my opinion.

Korzo Street now looks like this

Sculpture Uncle Kolya was made by outstanding Uzhhorod sculptor Michael  Kolodko. According to legend, in ancient times, Uncle Kolya went and lit the lights in the city.

Especially for you have found an old photo of the street

Theatre Square views today:

Coat of arms Uzhhorod at Theater Square

Outstanding Hungarian artist Transcarpathian origin Roshkovych Ignatius (1854-1915). Author of  Michael Kolodko.

Old Photo Theatre Square. I think a big disadvantage is that there is no fountain at Theater Square, as it was before ...

I found before a photo of this square. Then it looked like this ...

View on the modern footbridge

Statuette of St. Nicholas near the bridge. Author of Michael Kolodko. 

Uzhgorod Lighthouse ''Svobodka''. Author of Michael Kolodko. Located at Orthodox quay. 

Symbols of love on the bridge...

This was the bridge before

            More http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVfP22bNmS4

            Europe's largest linden alley that envelops the right bank of the city of Uzhhorod. Here, incidentally, grow different varieties of July, so almost all of the month of April embankment of Independence. Czechoslovak botany, which was decorated in 1928 Roshkovych waterfront artist, now Independence, had no idea that it would be the longest lime avenue in Europe.Today, its length is 2 miles 200 yards. According transfers during July is one of the sleeve with a message to future generations. And now enjoy the lime avenue during flowering tree attracts tourists from all over Europe.

View of the Linden alley from the bridge

It is number 1 school (now college)

 On the other side of the Botanical alley. It is located Former Synagogue, now Philharmonic. 

Old photos of today's Philharmonic. In those days - Synagogue ...

Moving further through the pedestrian bridge we go in the direction of Sandor Petofi Square.
Petofi Square have this view for today

Old photos of the area

More want to draw your attention to the cathedral and Uzhhorod Castle. The Cathedral is located not far from the old city center and not far from the area Koryatovicha. Founded in,,, by .. (a little history).(Photo Cathedral)

Not far from the cathedral is Uzhhorod Castle.Uzhhorod Castle

History actual medieval castle has over one thousand years. For centuries the castle was reconstructed several times in accordance with the medieval fortification. To this day from its ancient buildings remained a part of the foundation, traces of which can be seen in caves, as well as fragments of cornices roman ornament. The basic structure belongs to the XIV century. At the end of the X - early eleventh century, when the flat part of Transcarpathia came under the power of the Kingdom of Hungary in Uzhgorod built a stone castle as the administrative center comitat Ung. It has been a mighty fortification, the power of which is demonstrated by the fact that in 1086 during a raid at verhovodstvom hordes Polovtsian Khan Kuteska that broke through the Carpathian passes the Danube Lowland Uzhhorod Castle nomads to have failed.

At a time when the castle was in the possession of the family Drugets (1322-1691 years), the fortification of the major changes occurred, mainly due to the emergence of new types of weapons, especially firearms. It's required a major reconstruction of the castle, which was performed at the end of the XVI century, using the latest advances fortification of Europe. In Uzhgorod castle designed by Italian engineers conducted a reconstruction to strengthen his defense - was vymuruvano stronger wall at some distance from the palace, every corner bastion built diamond-shaped, square nominated for a line of walls that we see even today, significantly increased the efficiency defense castle with artillery mounted on platforms bastions. Above the entrance to the castle palace in the form of bas-relief on a stone slab Embossed four blackbirds - Drugets arms.

The castle is shaped like an irregular quadrangle with bastions at each corner. Bastions stand slightly forward, making it possible to successfully run Wing battle. On the bastions, which reach 10-15 m, placed guns that fire was kept under the approaches to the castle. To enhance the strength of the horns of bastions set squares of white stone. Castle seems almost impregnable. Inaccessibility was especially emphasized on the north side stitch massive high walls, even without loopholes. The walls are built mainly of stone. The northern part of the castle defended kilopodibnyy bastion. On three sides of the castle surrounded by a deep ditch (8-10 m), which were transferred through a drawbridge. Have survived to create circuits by which the bridge was raised.

1775 the castle was handed over to the Empress Maria Theresa Mukachevo diocese. This period is negligible alteration of the castle, which resulted in destroying the Knights' Hall. Today the castle houses museum.Together with the lock rozbudovuvalos and city. In 1384 - completed construction of a new lock and opened the first school in the city. Already in 1430 Uzhhorod receives benefits from the king and formally written as "privileged Uzhgorod."In 1514, during the great rebellion led by Dyerdya Doji, the city was completely destroyed.

After the defeat of the Hungarians in the battle against the Turks in 1526 at Mohachem, Hungarian kingdom was divided into three parts, one of which Transylvanian principality friend - Central Hungary ruled by the Turks, the third western and northern Hungary near the Austrian Habsburgs. Uzhgorod City for a long time becomes the scene of internecine fighting. Since 1538 Uzhhorod went to Transylvania, but already in 1540 it was captured by Austrian troops. In 1564 the town was again attacked Transylvanian troops.

New owners graphs Drugets strengthened the role of cities as economic and commercial center. At this time there are restructuring the castle and the construction of new churches. Preserved from that time and seal with the inscription "Seal of Uzhgorod. 1675 ", which shows the coat of arms: a shield with two vines, and the three leaves and two bunches of grapes, suggesting the main occupation of its inhabitants. This emblem existed largely unchanged until 1918. (A varied background tint shield - in XVII-XVIII centuries scutcheon was blue in the XIX century - red, at the beginning of the XX century has been restored more ancient variant with a blue shield).

In 1631 the city was 10 streets, 206 feudal courts, 32 Estates, and the total number of inhabitants - 1200. During the XVI-XVII centuries Uzhgorod there were many guilds: shoe, pottery, carpentry, cooperage. During this period, the city was drawn into a religious struggle between Protestant Transylvania and Catholic Austria. In 1610, the city was dominated by the Catholic Church. In 1619 Uzhhorod again capture the Protestant troops Transylvania. After a decade of government power Reformed Catholics back to the city, headed by Count Drugets. That year, 1646, in Uzhgorod castle was collected 63 Orthodox priests and under the auspices of the Vatican proclaimed and established the Union of Uzhhorod Greek Catholic Church in Transcarpathia.

Uzhgorod castle now looks like this

Model of the castle and its miniature.

In the following photos is the Tasting Hall. Here conducting a wine tasting, and various feasts, including wedding registration.

Courtyard of the castle

 Great view from the castle

The ruins of the church in the castle

Old photo of Uzhhorod Castle

Near the castle is the Greek Catholic Cathedral. On the history of the cathedral, I will not write. I want to when you're in Uzhhorod  learn it yourself if you want) guide provides you with detailed information about the City and its buildings. I will not bore you anymore history. Even I say that Ukraine wedding suit in different regions on different days. In Uzhhorod most popular day for a wedding this Thursday and Saturday. So on Saturday at the Cathedral of many wedding procession. Photo of the cathedral.

Old photo of the Cathedral

In Uzhhorod many Orthodox churches, churches of other faiths (the church on the seventh day Protestant church ...). Maybe one day I will devote an article purely churches ...The following artic The following article will focus on the Uzhhorod a wonderful museum, which is located near Uzhgorod castle. So Wait!

And at the end of some of my photos