Uzhgorod was first mentioned as early as 872 A.D. in the Hungarian Chronicle “Gesta Hungarorum” as the residence of the Slavic prince Laborets. The city has changed names several times: it has been called Ongvar, Hungvar, Unguyvar and Ungvar. In the 11-13th centuries Uzhgorod was under Hungarian rule. A mighty castle-fortress protected the city of Uzhgorod for many centuries. The castle as it stands today has a 16th century facade. Today it houses The Museum of Local History.

During the Middle Ages the city was often damaged in the wars between the Habsburger and Transilvanian Principalities. Finally it became a provincial town of the Austrian Empire. Starting from the middle of the 18th century the city had four festivals annually.

In 1919 Uzhgorod became the center of Transcarpathian Rus under the rule of Czechoslovakia. In the fall of 1938 it became the capital of Transcarpathian Ukraine and in 1949 – the center of Transcarpathian region of the Ukrainian SSR till 1991.

Among Uzhgorod`s fine churches one will find irresistibly cute and candy-colored Russian Orthodox Church, while the impressive twin-towered the 17th century Greek-Catholic Church up on the Castle Hill proves to be the architectural symbol of Uzhgorod.

Uzhgorod`s buildings are reminiscent of those to be found in Eger or Veszprem in Hungary, though its tidy streets, could easily be mistaken for the streets of Bratislava. The “Korona” Hotel in the old town square is a good place to stay. Let’s walk round the old city quarters. Each building here is a unique accord in streets symphony. Small squares with mosaic paved sidewalks, cornices, balconies, lines, beautiful buildings, that are creating attractive architectural ensembles of small streets and whole blocks. In the old part of the city you can find many different architectural styles: secession, baroque, classicism, functionalism, neo-romanesque, etc. A lot of buildings were built eclectically (mixture of different styles).

Uzhgorod has a well-developed travel infrastructure and can be a good starting point to discover attractions of the beautiful Transcarpathian region and the Carpathian Mountains.

You can explore Uzhgorod in the marks of Lviv-Inturtrans Classic Group Tours:
“Grand Tour of Ukraine”, “Carpathian Golden Ring”, “Ukraine`s Best”.
Our special interest tour “Castles & Fortresses of the Western Ukraine” will acquaint you with fortification objects in Uzhgorod and Mukachevo.
For more sightseeing itineraries and options see also Sightseeing & Excursions in/from Uzhgorod.