Nevytske Castle - the most mysterious castle in Transcarpathia

Nevytske Castle - is one of the most ancient Transcarpathian castles, with a long and very fascinating history, and its authenticity, as the experts claim, is unrivalled in all of Europe. Today it is rightly considered one of the most valuable architectural landmarks of Transcarpathia, although, most regrettably, the castle is now in a very sorry state. Roughly speaking, little remains of its former appearance - only ruins, which continue to be destroyed by time and human indifference.

The authentic Nevytske Castle with an ancient and fascinating history

Nevytske Castle has a long and captivating history: at various times it was ruled by representatives of entirely different eras, peoples and nationalities, several times the castle was destroyed, but was then rebuilt anew. At one point it was destroyed by the Mongol-Tatar horde.

Scholars suggest that Nevytske Castle was built in the 12th century on the site of a former wooden structure. It was then that the very first mentions of it appeared, as a royal fortification serving as a building set along the stretch of the most important trade route that ran through what was then Uzhhorod. Shortly afterwards, the fortress sheltered those of the local feudal lords who had taken part in the uprising against the rule of King Charles the First.

For almost three hundred years the castle was ruled by the dynasty of the Drugeth counts, who also remodelled it in the so-called Italian style. The architectural changes were prompted by the needs of the time, when the castle once again found itself «drawn» into military action.

Already at the beginning of the 19th century beside the castle there was created the Wagner Garden in honour of the famous Hungarian scholar Karl Wagner, where a fountain with natural water pressure was also erected.

The terrifying legend of the famous Transcarpathian castle

As in all castles, Nevytske has its own legend - a terrifying, cruel and even somewhat mystical one, it must be said. It is the legend of the Wicked Maiden, who, according to the lore, ruled here and struck terror into all the inhabitants. They say she was a Turkish princess, an evil sorceress, who wished to build for herself the most impregnable fortress upon the hill.

To this end, her men forced the peasants to haul stones up the mountain and to toil hard. So that Nevytske Castle and its walls would be even stronger, the princess ordered eggs and milk to be added to the mortar. But soon ordinary milk was no longer enough for the Maiden, and she ordered milk to be taken from mothers. Little children began to die, and the whole district was filled with weeping, fear and hatred.

At that time, in a neighbouring village there lived a young man who promised to become king and rid the people of the wicked princess. Gathering a great army, he defeated the Maiden.

Of course, there are other legends connected with Nevytske Castle. You can hear them, as well as learn many fascinating historical facts, on one of our excursions, namely - the SPA excursion «Bathing in Tubs».

Transcarpathia is truly very colourful, sometimes unexpected, but very fascinating. Discover it together with us! Sign up for our excursions across Transcarpathia!