Mukacheve

Introducing Mukacheve

With its cobblestone pedestrian centre lined with pastel-coloured neoclassical buildings, and the rustic horses and carts competing for road space in its shabbier unrenovated suburbs, Mukacheve has more charm and good looks than nearby Uzhhorod. However, there’s slightly less to do here.

Mukacheve’s highlight is the hilltop Palanok Castle (www.zamokpalanok.mk.uz.ua, in Ukrainian; adult/child 10/5uah, video photography extra 10uah, 9am-6pm Tue-Sun, last entry 5pm), which pops up from the surrounding plain as you approach Mukacheve from Uzhhorod, like something in a fairy-tale fantasy. Famous as the site where Croatian-Hungarian princess Ilona Zrini held off the Austrian Emperor’s army for three years before finally capitulating in 1688, the 14th-century castle includes one or two interesting exhibits with English explanations, and has some excellent views. To get here, catch bus 3-4, 3-9, 14-1 or any bus or marshrutka heading to.

With Transcarpathia producing slightly better wine varieties than Crimea, there’s an annual red wine festival from 12 to 15 January, and a honey fair in autumn. Mukacheve also houses a tourist office in the duck-egg blue Town Hall on central pl Myru. Good luck on finding that open, but the souvenir shop next door is good.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009