Castles of Transcarpathia - a reflection of different eras, peoples and values
The castles of Transcarpathia - are highly diverse, quite unlike one another, yet at the same time - unique and captivating thanks to their history, their legends, their highlights and genuine mysteries. Each of them - is a unique architectural landmark that has survived from ancient centuries down to our own day.
Within the Transcarpathian region stand the buildings and ruins of twelve medieval castles. The most interesting of them can be visited on a tour of the castles of Transcarpathia!
Castles of Transcarpathia: Palanok and the ruins of the Templar castle
Perhaps the most popular castle in Transcarpathia is the Mukachevo one, also known as Palanok. Rising mightily above the Transcarpathian town of Mukachevo, Palanok, in its whole appearance, recalls the remarkable events that took place here and the remarkable people who lived and were guests within its walls.
Over the course of several centuries the walls of the castle were strengthened by various rulers, since Palanok performed an important defensive function. At one time or another power over it lay in the hands of Hungarian kings, then Transylvanian princes, then Austrian generals, then Czechoslovak troops. All of this left its mark and its historical legacy.
Today the castle is kept in good condition, and you can wander its spacious halls for hours on end. It also houses a history museum with fascinating exhibits, and a tour of Palanok is informative, interesting and truly captivating!
Not far from Mukachevo lie the ruins of another remarkable medieval castle - in the village of Serednie stands Serednie Castle. It is also known as the Templar castle, as it was founded by the famous Order of the Templars back in the twelfth century.
The main feature of this castle was its stone keep-donjon. It is regarded as the most characteristic element of Romanesque medieval fortresses, whose prototypes were the watchtowers of Ancient Rome.
Serednie Castle was once assigned an important role in the network of defensive fortifications built by the Templars to protect the so-called «salt route», but battles and raids inflicted irreparable damage upon it, and now its condition is, to put it mildly, pitiful.
Nevertheless, the ruins of the Templar castle are one of the notable landmarks of Transcarpathia. You will hear about its history, its features and the battles it endured at the very start of our captivating tour!
Castles of Transcarpathia: The palace of the Schönborn aristocrats and the Chynadiiovo castle of love
Probably the most appealing of all the castles of Transcarpathia is - the palace of Count Schönborn, located in a village with the beautiful name of Karpaty - and it conceals many riddles and surprises.
The Schönborn Palace stands out thanks to a successful blend of several architectural styles, which have turned it into a modern-day masterpiece worthy of genuine admiration!
Preserved since the times of Austro-Hungarian imperial rule here, the palace and the grounds around it are still brimming with the spirit of romance, refinement and true aristocracy. What is more, the palace, like the Schönborn park, is imbued with a deep symbolism that reveals itself here in the most unexpected places and extravagant forms.
Once you get to know the Schönborn Palace, you will be amazed by its elegance, its immaculate upkeep and its many pleasant surprises!
Even more riddles are kept in the most enigmatic Transcarpathian castle, which stands in the village of Chynadiiovo and is called - Saint Miklós or the Chynadiiovo castle of love. It was in this very castle that the legendary and dramatic love story unfolded between a Hungarian countess - the castle’s owner - and a young rebel.
The story of these two lovers is shrouded in countless mysteries, many of which still wander among the castle walls, adding their share of mystique to the overall enigma of this place, which is unquestionably worth visiting.
The castles of Transcarpathia - are a valuable and remarkable historical heritage that should be treated with respect and attention. All the more so because discovering such landmarks for yourself is a truly fascinating and captivating undertaking - and, thanks to well-organised tours, a pleasant one too!
You can also visit our other tours of Transcarpathia, which run regularly, and you can also book a private tour.
