Castle "St. Miklos" Chynadiyovo

The village of Chynadiyovo is located 12 kilometers east of Mukachevo, where the mountains are getting closer to the Latorytsia River. Its history is closely connected with the history of Mukachevo. In written sources, the village of Chynadiyovo was first mentioned in 1214 as St. Miklos. "Saint Miklós" can be translated as "St. Nicholas." This Hungarian name appeared in official documents until 1944, when the lands of Zakarpattia came under Soviet rule.

Tourists are attracted to Chynadiyovo by the opportunity to touch history by visiting the Berehvar Castle and the ancient fortress of St. Miklos.

Do you know that the St. Miklos Fortress was built in the XIV century by the will of Baron Perenya. It is a two-story building with one-meter thick walls and two mighty towers. The construction of the fortress was started by Perenyi, but another owner finished it. Fans of classic English novels and readers of The Hound of the Baskervilles may think that the castle has become a family nest, owned by a certain dynasty for centuries. It is nothing of the sort! "St. Miklós changed owners all the time - when the land on which it stands changed hands, the new owner entered the castle. For a long time, Hungarian aristocrats ruled here, and the fate of the St. Miklós Fortress is closely intertwined with the fate of the Palanok Castle.

The ancient St. Miklós Fortress witnessed one of the most dramatic love stories in Europe. In 1612, the classical castle was bought by the influential Transylvanian prince Rákóczius. And from this period, the brightest and at the same time tragic story began. In 1676, after the death of Ferenc Rákóczi, the castle was inherited by the widow of the former owner, Ilona Zrinyi. For a long time, the young princess lived in Mukachevo Castle under the supervision of her insufferable mother-in-law. There were frequent conflicts between the women, and they lived like cat and dog. But Ilona endured it for the sake of her two children. Her son Ferenc the Second Rakoczy was a direct heir to the property of the Rakoczy princes, so there was no way out but humility.

Soon, the woman met Count Imre Tekeli, a freedom-loving Transylvanian aristocrat who led the Kurucs rebels, who in turn fought desperately against the Austrian crown. The couple developed sincere and beautiful feelings that lasted throughout their lives, despite the difficult trials. Ilona was 14 years older than the count, so it is not surprising that the Austrian crown, which was well aware of Tekeli's plans and moods, did not welcome and even condemned the relationship between the couple. For a long time, the lovers avoided prying eyes and met secretly in St. Miklós Castle. According to legend, it was not difficult, as both castles were connected by an underground passage. Subsequently, there was no need for secret meetings, and in 1682 they officially became married.

Today, legends and incredible stories circulate about the princess in the local area. She symbolizes the image of a self-confident, strong-willed and intelligent woman who has always fought for justice and freedom throughout her life. In history, she is remembered as a representative of a noble family who challenged the Austrian crown and fought against it for a long time.

Today, St. Miklós is a state-owned property under concession.

During the restoration of 1939, a human skeleton was found buried in the castle wall. It is unknown who laid down his bones during the construction of the fortress. Historians believe that the skeleton is a tribute to the medieval tradition. It was believed that a living person buried in the castle wall could give the structure a magical power and strengthen its defense capabilities. Shortly after the restoration, the Germans turned the former Love Castle into a prison, and later the Soviet authorities used it as a village council building.

Like any decent medieval fortress, St. Miklós has its secrets: the owners can show you several double walls that form secret passages. The main rooms have spherical vaults, while the palace towers have cross-shaped roofs. Since this massive fortress was built as a feudal fortification, it was erected over deep cellars that once stored grain. The roof is encircled by loopholes, a necessary element of the defense system.

Today, its walls are not only used for guided tours, but also for marriage ceremonies. You can order an unusual, knightly wedding ceremony in St. Miklós. Lush and romantic wedding ceremonies are held here, and lovers invite their beautiful ladies to the castle to swear love and fidelity. The owners are planning to restore Princess Zrinya's bedroom so that the newlyweds can spend their first night in the castle. According to an ancient tradition, it is believed that the first wedding night spent in a place of worship can be the key to a happy married life.

In addition, the owners of the castle offer guests a lot of interesting entertainment: performances by chamber orchestras, theatrical programs, coinage, and plein airs. Romantically-minded tourists can order a torchlight tour of the castle instead of a regular tour.

Every year, Chynadiyevo Castle hosts the Silver Tatosh festival of medieval culture. During the Silver Tatosh, sword fights, tournaments, and bugurts take place. Musicians and dancers demonstrate their art along with their knowledge of the relevant period of the Middle Ages. Everyone is invited to the fair, where you can shoot from an authentic crossbow, buy original items and taste ancient dishes. In the evening, a fire show is organized near the castle.

Over the years, thanks to the new owners and the work of volunteers, Chynadiyevo Castle has become a real center of art and culture. Nowadays, the castle is visited by about 50,000 tourists a year. St. Miklós has a tourist information center that provides useful information for free: what to see in the region, how to get to attractions, where to eat the most delicious Transcarpathian dishes. The castle welcomes visitors every day, seven days a week. The fee for the tour is symbolic - your contribution will be used for further restoration of the castle.