Ugocsa, Sevlyush, Vynohradiv—these are all names of the same city that emerged nearly a thousand years ago at the foot of Mount Chorna in Zakarpattia, a dormant volcano. Over the centuries, Vynohradiv has been part of various states, including the Kingdom of Hungary, Austria-Hungary, Czechoslovakia, and the USSR. It’s no surprise that the city’s history is endlessly fascinating. But beyond its past, Vynohradiv is also famous for its healing waters, delicious wines, and exceptionally warm climate. The plains and slopes here are dotted with greenhouses, while kiwi, persimmons, pomegranates, and lemons grow in local yards.
Here’s our list of favorite spots in Vynohradiv.
This is where modern Vynohradiv began in the 11th century. Over time, various landowners built fortresses on this site. The current stone castle was constructed by Peter Pereni in the early 15th century, but royal troops destroyed it 150 years later to punish Pereni's descendants for their rebellion. Unfortunately, only ruins remain of the once-magnificent castle. However, the hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of Vynohradiv and the Carpathians.
After the destruction of Kankiv Castle, the Pereni family relocated to this estate. The palace acquired its modern appearance in the 17th century. Remarkably well-preserved, it is one of the oldest in Zakarpattia. The estate is surrounded by a park with exotic and rare trees, which once featured pathways for horseback and pedestrian strolls. Even today, the park remains a fantastic spot for active leisure, picnics, or meditative walks.
How many churches do you know that also served as fortresses? Vynohradiv’s Ascension Church is one of them. Built in the 13th century, it underwent several reconstructions, and its current architecture is a unique mix of Gothic and Romanesque styles, featuring a tall three-tiered bell tower that also served as a watchtower. The interior isn’t lavishly decorated, but it holds something even more special—ancient frescoes on the walls. Recent studies uncovered Romanesque and Gothic portals as well as unique Gothic stone carvings.
This complex, built in the 15th century by Franciscan monks, includes a church dating back to 1516, a two-story residential wing adjacent to the church, and part of the ancient monastery garden. Originally designed in Gothic style, the complex was rebuilt in Baroque style after being destroyed by Tatars in 1717. During Soviet times, the site housed a history museum. In 2012, to mark the 500th anniversary of the Franciscan arrival in Vynohradiv, a chapel featuring a sculptural composition "Saint Francis with Brother" was opened on the monastery grounds. The church occasionally hosts art exhibitions, and visitors can see an antique organ from the Mukachevo Cathedral and 19th-century wall paintings.
This is a must-see for all fans of modernist architecture. Vynohradiv’s town hall is a masterpiece by Ludovít Oelschläger, a renowned architect of Czechoslovakia and Zakarpattia, who also designed the Jewish Center and Cinema in Uzhhorod and the Chamber of Commerce building in Mukachevo.
"Teplytsia" is one of Ukraine’s top year-round sanatoriums, renowned for its thermal and mineral waters sourced from three springs: Olehivska, Kushnytska, and Teplytska. The health treatments at "Teplytsia" combine modern methods with classical ones, such as balneotherapy, electrotherapy, hydrokinetic therapy, aromatherapy, phytotherapy, heat therapy, terrainkur, Nordic walking, and therapeutic exercises. To put it simply: if you want to heal and relax, this is the place for you.
Looking for other health and wellness destinations in Ukraine? Check here.
The Carpathian buffalo is a species on the brink of extinction, nearly wiped out by Soviet policies during the collective farm era. The largest buffalo farm in Zakarpattia, "Carpathian Buffalo," is now home to nearly one-third of the entire population—around 100 animals! Most are adults, with the oldest buffalo, Montsia, nearing her 30th birthday.
The farm's founders have been working for over a decade to restore the buffalo population in Ukraine. Every year, more than ten baby buffalo are born here. Visitors can pet, feed, and photograph these animals during a farm tour, learn fascinating facts about them, and, of course, sample a variety of dairy delicacies: cheeses, yogurt, butter, and even condensed milk. Words cannot capture how tender, flavorful, and healthy these treats are!
Retirement is the perfect time to start a new chapter and dedicate yourself to a passion. That’s one of the key insights you’ll gain when visiting the Polyczki family, who did just that by starting a winemaking business. On the grounds of "The Wine House," there’s a unique vineyard with over 250 grape varieties from all over the world. The family produces about 20 types of wine, stored in their private cellar and shared with guests during tastings. Varieties include "Cabernet Sauvignon," "Royal Leanka (Fetească)," "Aromatic Traminer," "Riesling Rhein," "Chardonnay," "Merlot," "Rose of Zakarpattia," and "Black Doctor." This year, "Black Doctor" won a silver medal at the "Wines of Silver Land" competition. Don’t miss the chance to savor these special wines while listening to the hosts share stories about local winemaking and the region’s history.
On the second floor of "The Wine House," there are several rooms where guests can stay, making it easy to sample all the wines in Mykhailo Polyczki’s cellar.
Alternatively, we recommend the newly opened IVORY Hotel, which features an excellent spa complex, numerous pools, and plenty of on-site entertainment. As you’ve probably gathered, Vynohradiv has enough attractions to fill an entire weekend—or even more!
Foto: Iryna Makukha
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