Uzhhorod, an ancient Ukrainian city with more than eleven centuries history, is a regional centre of Zakarpattia (Transcarpathia). This area, located in the geographical centre of Europe with its beautiful mountains, waterfalls and Alpine valleys can be truly named one of the most picturesque regions of Ukraine. The name of the city derives from the name of the river Uzh ("grass-snake") that separates the old and the new city districts. To-day the population of the city is 130000.
The tourists will certainly enjoy its quite parks, embankments, the central part of the town, the historical and architectural monuments. These include: the Medieval castle of the 10th-16th cc. (its original appearance was restored in the 12thc., to-day it houses the Local Lore Museum and Art Gallery); the neo-Baroque Cathedral ensemble (1646, originally it was a Jesuit Monastery and later in 1773 it became a Greek-Catholic Cathedral, during the Soviet era the cathedral was transferred to the Russian Orthodox Church and now it is once again a Greek-Catholic Cathedral); Goryany Rotunda (12th c., built in the shape of a hexahedron with walls 2-2,5 m thick, ornamentation dating to 1360-70 has been preserved).
Guests of Uzhgorod can enjoy visits to the following sights: The Lore Museum, the Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural Life, Transcarpathian Art Museum, the Memorial F.Manilo Museum, etc.
The woods with diverse wildlife are the main wealth of this region. Here you can find the famous Narcissus Valley - the only preserve in Europe where narcissi grow in their natural condition and surroundings (on 256 hectares). The real pearl of this land is the mountain lake Synevyr ("The Sea Eye").
The Transcarpathia is one of the most popular Alpine skiing areas in Ukraine. There are over 360 curative water springs in the vicinity of Uzhhorod. Best Ukrainian spas, cardiological and gastroentorological health resorts are located here
