Happy TravellerWelcome to Uzhhorod, a city and municipality on the Uzh River in western Ukraine. Situated at the border with Slovakia and near the border with Hungary, Uzhhorod offers a unique blend of cultures, stunning landscapes, and rich history. Join us as we explore this captivating city and discover why it should be a top destination for any traveler.
Uzhhorod is approximately equidistant from the Baltic, the Adriatic, and the Black Sea, making it the most inland city in this part of Europe. This strategic location has shaped Uzhhorod’s history, as it has been influenced by various civilizations and empires throughout the centuries.
The city’s earliest known name is Ungvár, derived from the Hungarian words Ung (River Uzh) and vár (castle). The name Uzhhorod was later coined as a translation of Ungvár. Today, the city embraces its multicultural heritage, with various names used in different languages.
Uzhhorod’s history dates back to the migration period, when Celts, Sarmatians, Huns, and Avars ruled the area. In the 9th century, a fortified castle evolved into a feudal town-settlement. The city played a significant role in the Hungarian conquest, with Almoss Magyars storming the Hunguar fortress in 895 AD. The castle was later taken over by Almos, who appointed his son Árpád as prince, leading to the inhabitants being called Hungarians.
Under Hungarian rule, Uzhhorod flourished and became the center of Ung county. However, the region fell into three parts during the 16th and 17th centuries, with Uzhhorod being ruled by the Habsburg dynasty. This period saw religious and political conflicts between Hungarian Protestant Transylvania and German Catholic Austria, with Uzhhorod caught in the middle. The Union of Ungvár was established in 1646, and the Greek-Catholic church was established.
Uzhhorod’s development
