The history of Korzo Street: the heart of Uzhhorod that has been beating for centuries

There are places that live not just as addresses on a map. They live as traditions, habits, part of the city's DNA. Korzo Street in Uzhhorod is just such a place. Short (only 400 meters), but so full of history that each cobblestone could tell about its past.

Emigrand Art Hotel, located not far from this legendary street, invites you on a journey through the centuries to learn how the small Korzo Street became the heart of Uzhhorod.

A name that came from Italy

Translated from Italian, "corso" means "street where people walk" or "place for walks". It received this name during the times when the Italian counts Druget ruled the city for almost four centuries.

The rule of the Druget family in Uzhhorod falls on the period from the 14th to the 17th centuries. It was they who brought Italian traditions to this small Hungarian city. One of these traditions of the Korzo - evening walks, when the townspeople go out onto the main street to see others and show themselves, has survived to this day.

Interestingly, according to local traditions, the Korzo was practiced twice a day - at lunchtime, from 12.00 to 14.00, and in the evening - from 18.00 to 21-22.00. For some reason, the fashion for the lunch Korzo in Ungvar did not catch on, on the contrary - the street was empty at noon. But in the evening, when the street lights were lit, it began to live its own life.

Many names for one street

The street had different names - Mostova, Velykomostova, Rashina (Minister of Finance of Czechoslovakia), F. Kazinci (Hungarian writer and teacher), in Soviet times it was named after Suvorov.

Each name is an era. Mostova - because it led to the bridge over the Uzh River. Rashina - in honor of the Czechoslovak politician. Suvorova - a tribute to Soviet ideology. But for Uzhgorod residents it always remained Korzo. Traditions turned out to be stronger than politics.

Historical facts about Korzo Street

In 1908, a newspaper wrote that although Velikomostova Street cannot boast of impressive buildings, it has convenient asphalt and streetlights that make evening walks pleasant. That is, the reason why the townspeople began to relax on Velikomostova Street is banal - there was asphalt there and streetlights shone in the evening.

In the city of the early 20th century, asphalt and electric lighting were a luxury. Other streets were dusty and dark, but here - comfort. And this is what made Korzo Street the center of city life.

An interesting fact is that in 1936, the police estimated that an average of about 800 cars, 1,800 carts and 3,000 bicycles pass along Korzo every day, and inattentive pedestrians often caused accidents.

In 1938, the police forbade pedestrians to stop and stand there idly on Rashyna Street. The city widened the sidewalks so that pedestrians would not step onto the roadway. However, even this radical ban could not overcome the Uzhhorod tradition of the evening promenade, developed over the years - the central street continued to be a place for meetings and walks. Uzhhorod residents continued to come to Korzo, no matter what.

The architectural ensemble of Korzo was formed in the late 19th - early 20th centuries. Some of the houses were built during the Czechoslovak period (1920-1939).

Walking along Korzo, you see an eclecticism of eras - Austro-Hungarian houses with stucco, Czechoslovak functionalism, Soviet renovation and modern restorations. This is a living book of architecture.

Interesting locations of Korzo Street

"The Cross" - the place where the heart of the city beats

The intersection of Korzo and Voloshyn streets, the so-called "Cross" - is a truly iconic place, which is considered the unofficial center of the city and a traditional and favorite meeting place for city residents and tourists.

"Let's meet at the Cross" is a phrase that Uzhhorod residents say every day. This is not just a crossroads. This is a reference point, the center of the city's coordinates. Here they arrange dates, here old friends meet, here tourists ask for directions.

Uncle Kolya: Keeper of the Light

The bronze lamp post was installed in 2010 by sculptor Mykhailo Kolodko and is dedicated to a real-life resident of the city, Uncle Kolya, who turned on the old Uzhhorod electric lights for 40 years. The idea to create a monument arose when the city mayor proposed to immortalize the image of a person who would be the "keeper of the memory of Uzhhorod."

Mykola Derevyanko is not a fictional character. For 40 years, this man walked around the city every evening and manually turned on the lights. Imagine: every evening, 40 years, regardless of the weather. His monument on Korzo is a tribute not just to one person, but to tradition, responsibility, and service to the city.

At the intersection of Korzo and Voloshyn streets, on the wall of a house, there is a bronze mini-sculpture depicting Uncle Kolya on a ladder, lighting a lantern. Although, unfortunately, almost no photos of him have survived, his image lives on in this miniature sculpture and in the memories of the city's residents.

Now tourists make wishes by touching his suitcase. They say they come true.

"White Ship" and other mysteries

The house at the intersection of Korzo and Voloshyn streets, which is unremarkable at first glance, used to be called "White Ship", which it inherited from the state-owned inn that was located here until 1902.

The "White Ship" tavern was a famous place. Merchants, travelers, and the local elite used to come here. The house remained, the tavern disappeared, but the name lives on in history.

The street is literally dotted with colorful courtyards. This is another highlight of Korzo - courtyards hidden from view, where you can enter from the street. Each has its own little story, its own atmosphere.

Modern Korzo Street: a living tradition

Today, the entire Korzo Street is a pedestrian zone. There are no cars here, only people. There are many cafes and interesting shops along the street, and you can often meet street musicians here.

The evening Korzo is a special magic. The light of street lamps, bright shop windows, the sounds of music, the incredible aroma of coffee mixed with the aroma of fresh pastries. This is a favorite place for meetings, dates, agreements, and walks for townspeople and guests of the city. Polished cobblestones, old houses, numerous cafes, shops and boutiques, colorful courtyards, street musicians - a great place for leisurely walks, conversations over a cup of coffee.

The tradition, started by the Italian counts, is still alive today. Uzhgorod residents, as they used to go out to Korzo in the evenings, continue that promenade centuries later. Technologies have changed, eras have passed, but the habit has remained. Uzhgorod is a small city. But it has so much history, so much atmosphere. And Korzo Street is the key to understanding the city, its main artery. Walking along this street at least once means touching a tradition that has been alive for centuries.

Emigrand Art Hotel: comfort and service

And after a walk along the legendary street, it is so nice to return to the comfort of the Emigrand Hotel. Just a few minutes walk - and you are in a room decorated in the pop art style, where you can relax and reflect on what you have seen.

Our Emigrand Art Hotel in Uzhgorod is within walking distance of the city center, which makes it an excellent choice for those who want to live nearby and enjoy the unique places of Uzhgorod every time.

We offer accommodation in spacious and bright rooms, each of which has its own style and unique design. The features of our hotel are:

• pop art interior;
• comfortable rooms with modern design;
• delicious breakfasts in a buffet format;
• balconies and terraces for relaxation;
• free Wi-Fi in all rooms;
• parking for guests;
• pleasant prices.

Our proximity to all the iconic locations of Uzhhorod and a high level of service will turn your trip into an unforgettable adventure.

Come to Uzhhorod. Stay at Emigrand Art Hotel and be sure to take a walk along Korzo Street in the evening, enjoy its beauty and charm, where history is not in museums, but just next to us. After all, Korzo Street in Uzhhorod is not just an address, it is a philosophy, a feeling of perfection, a fireworks display of impressions and tastes.