The Regional Philharmonic, near Fencik Square, on the embankment of the Uzh River is considered one of the brightest architectural decorations of the city. More than a century has passed since its construction, it has been rebuilt and changed, but Uzhgorod residents and guests never cease to admire its bright and harmonious beauty.
House number 10 on Teatralnaya Square is known today by all residents of the city as the Philharmonic Hall, but originally it had a completely different purpose. In 1904 on the bank of the Uzh River under the guidance of Austro-Hungarian architects L. Foster and F. Fesla a magnificent synagogue of the community of Orthodox Jews was erected. Contemporaries called the building a decoration not only of the city, but of the whole Transcarpathia and even of Europe. This synagogue became one of the largest orthodox synagogues in all of Europe.
The style in which the synagogue was originally built is still debated. Some attribute its architectural appearance to pseudo-Moorish, others — to the Moorish, others — to romanticism with elements of Marrocan and Byzantine styles, others — to neo-Moorish, others — to eclecticism with features of Romanesque, Moorish and classical Romanesque styles. One thing is obvious — when speaking about the synagogue as one of the brightest architectural decorations of the city, no one exaggerates.
Originally, the outer walls were decorated with clinker brick ornaments and red ceramic slabs. Above the entrance to the synagogue was installed a large Star of David, around it were written verses from the Torah, and crowned the front facade of the tablets with the commandments. The dome was transparent, lined with mosaics, and the entire building was decorated with Moorish ornaments. A beautiful stone fence was built around the synagogue and tall trees grew. This was the case until the end of the Second World War.
Since 1947 in the building of the former synagogue is located Zakarpattya Regional Philharmonic. Such a significant change in the purpose of the building could not but entail changes in its appearance. The Star of David above the entrance was covered with a patterned mosaic, the tablets with the commandments were replaced by a lyre, and the dome was covered with 
with a bangles, and much of the Moorish decorations were removed. However, even such serious changes did not take away the original beauty of the building.
Today, as it was a hundred years ago, the former synagogue delights all passers-by and visitors to concerts held in the Philharmonic Hall. The building, which has excellent acoustics, has become one of the main concert halls in Uzhgorod. Symphonic and wind orchestras, concerts of organ and classical music, romance concerts are held here. Famous musicians often perform in this attraction of Uzhgorod.
Uzhgorod, a true gem of Transcarpathia, is home to many architectural sights of Ukraine and, without a doubt, the building of the former synagogue, now the Transcarpathian Regional Philharmonic Hall, is among the city’s most striking decorations. Taking time to visit it while in Uzhgorod is definitely worth it.