Ukraine as a wise woman, shining with its famous virtues — Kiev, Lvov, Uzhgorod and other amazing cities, still leaves many pleasant surprises hidden. Small towns scattered here and there on the slopes and in the mountain valleys of the Eastern Carpathians are the most interesting places for tourists who appreciate a pleasant and exciting vacation.
Among such towns and Vynogradov. Coming here, you can not only enjoy the magnificent natural scenery, recover thanks to the wonderful climate, clean air and invigorating mineral springs, but also get acquainted with impressive sights: see the ruins of an ancient castle, a medieval palace and several ancient temples …
Vinogradiv is located in the south of the Transcarpathian region at the foot of the Black Mountain almost 600 meters high on the right bank of the Tisa River. There are many legends and legends about the Black Mountain, but it is also interesting because in ancient times it was an active volcano. The founding of the city is also associated with this mountain peak.
According to legend, the settlement at the foot of the high mountain was founded by Romanian Ione Triescu, who came to these places while hunting. He was so inspired by them that he wanted to live here. A fortified castle was built on the slopes of the mountain, Triescu appropriated all the surrounding lands and lived in wealth, but there was no one to share it with. Triesku sent his servants to the surrounding villages for the most beautiful girls, with whom he did not treat in the best way. And one day his next «concubine» was a girl whose father did not want to put up with the bar’s whim. Tired of the despot, the peasants stormed the castle, spilling a lot of blood, and the girl was found dead. Then they killed the tyrant, set him on fire, and the castle went up in flames with him. The ground, blackened with blood, burned up, leaving only coal-black stones, since then this mountain has been called the Black Mountain.
If we believe historical facts, Vynogradov was founded by Hungarians in the X century — it is one of the oldest settlements in Transcarpathia. However, people lived here long before that: settlements existed here in the XI-IX and II centuries BC, as well as in the first centuries AD, as shown by such archaeological finds as hoards of bronze tools. Having built a fortification on the slopes of the mountain, founded a settlement at its foot, and then in 1262 became the first in Transcarpathia to receive the status of a royal city, the townspeople lived in prosperity, growing grapes and controlling the salt route, which then passed along the Tisza. By the way, one of the main trades reflects the name of the town — it has been called Vinogrady only since 1946, and for centuries it was called Sevlusz, which translates from Hungarian as «grapes». The slopes of the Black Mountain became fertile soil for vineyards, which have been growing here since the III century to this day, making it possible to produce the best wines of Transcarpathia.
At the beginning of the XIV century, one of the most mysterious sights of Vinogradovo — Kankov Castle — was erected in the town over the old fortifications on the Black Mountain, named so because from the XV to the middle of the XVI century it belonged to Franciscan monks. Today, only ruins remain of the castle walls, church and chapel built by the monks, but this place beckons with its mystery and history.
Among other sights of Vinogradovo is interesting the palace of the Pereni family, which owned Transcarpathia for more than four centuries, surrounded by a huge ancient park. Its construction dates back to the XVI century after the nobles wanted to move from the castle to a more comfortable «dwelling».
Vinogradovo’s religious sights are diverse and impressive: Voznesenskij kostel of the XV century in the city center, Franciscan monastery of the XVI century with a monastery garden, and in the surrounding villages there are real treasures — the royal castle Nyalab of the XIII century in Korolevo, the wooden Assumption Church of the XVI century in Novoselitsa, the Reformed Church of the XIV century in the village of Shalanki, the Roman Catholic Church of St. Helen of the XVIII century.
Architectural sights, healing mountain air and the beauty of the local nature — and the list of advantages of this sights of Zakarpattya does not end here: the city is also one of the best spa areas in Transcarpathia. In Vinogradov, tourists come from many cities and other countries to the thermal resort of Teplitsa, and several pensions have been built outside the city limits, treating a wide range of different diseases.
To feel the atmosphere and see with your own eyes the beauty of this attraction of Ukraine, to feel the fragrance of grapes in the air, to gain new strength thanks to the invaluable riches of local nature, you can only visit here. Visit Vinogradiv — and this small cozy town will undoubtedly stay in your heart forever.