Nevytsky Castle

Nevytsky Castle begins its history in the 12th century, and historical facts indicate that Nevytsky Castle had royal status in 1274. It is located 12 km from Uzhhorod in the forest on a high mountain, washed by the Vayda stream. It was owned by Hungarian rulers. Time has not spared the majestic fortress, but restoration is ongoing and the structure is regaining its former grandeur. The castle's defensive fortifications include a wall with four towers, ramparts, and a moat between them. From the castle wall, there is a wonderful view of the green valley of the Uzh River.

In March 1241, the Mongol-Tatars, who invaded Hungary through the Vereckyi Pass, possibly destroyed Nevytsky Castle. Soon the fortifications were restored again. In 1248, one of the contemporary sources already mentions "New Castle Ung." In 1322, the modern name of the fortress - Nevytske (Neuichke) - is first mentioned in historical documents (the charter of Charles Robert). In 1644, György I Rákóczi, having captured the castle, expelled the Drugets from there, ordering the castle walls to be destroyed.

When in 1691 the Uzhansky possessions of the Drugets passed into the hands of Count Miklós Berčéni, he did not rebuild Nevytsky Castle, preferring the Uzhhorod fortress. In 1711, the castle passed into state ownership, and only ruins remained of the mighty fortification. Until 1879, the monument stood forgotten and neglected.

In 1902, permission was granted to restore the central castle tower. But during World War I, Nevytsky Castle fell into decline and was destroyed again. The castle is located between two villages Nevytske and Kam'yanytsia.

One of the oldest castles in Ukraine is shrouded in numerous legends. It was previously called the Castle of Brides. The construction of this building is attributed not even to Hungarian nobility, but to a Russian princess. Allegedly, the fortress was built to protect brides. According to another version, young girls from noble families were hidden in the impregnable fortress. At the foot of the mountain where the castle is located, you can see a pillar of volcanic tuff – the Nevytsky Pillar. There is a legend that in pagan times, women who wished to have children came to worship it.

Nevytsky Castle can be visited for free.