Mini-sculptures of Uzhhorod: small masterpieces that make you stop

Uzhhorod is the smallest regional center of Ukraine, but a city with a big character and a special atmosphere. And it is here that there is something that is not found in any other city. Here, on the embankments, bridges and facades of old houses, dozens of small bronze sculptures are scattered - as if the details of a great history are discovered step by step.

Mini-sculptures are small bronze or metal compositions the size of a human palm, placed in different corners of the city: on bridges, railings, lanterns, near cafes and even in parks. You have to look for them and not just find them, but that is where the fun lies.

How it all began

The first such figurine was Mykolaychik - St. Nicholas's helper, installed on the eve of St. Nicholas Day. A small bronze figurine on Teatralna Square marked the beginning of a whole movement. The city picked up the idea and since then mini-sculptures have begun to appear regularly: for holidays, anniversaries, significant dates.

Today, there are already 65 mini-sculptures in Uzhhorod and the collection continues to grow. Each sculpture directly or indirectly relates to Uzhhorod or Transcarpathia. These are kind of mini-portraits of interesting historical figures, characters or mythical heroes.

The most popular mini-sculptures: where to look and what to know

We will make a small guide for you around the city and tell you where you can find bronze figurines. After all, it is possible to do this, but not very easy.

• Mykolaychik - located on Teatralna Square. The first mini-sculpture in Uzhhorod, which appeared in December 2010. According to urban legend, if you rub Mykolaychik's nose and make a wish, it will come true. That is why Mykolaychik's nose is always shiny from thousands of tourist touches;
• The Statue of Liberty - one of the most popular mini-figurines. Installed in 2011, it is the world's smallest copy of the Statue of Liberty and a working lighthouse at the same time. A diode is built into its torch and a light bulb is constantly on. The tiny but characterful mini statue is located on the Consular Stairs. For holidays, it is dressed in appropriate thematic clothes;
• the brave soldier Švejk - is located on the railing of the Kyiv Embankment and depicts the legendary character with a dumpling in his hand and a signature pose. One of the most recognizable and photographed characters of the city;
• Miklós Bércényi and Krystina Csáky - is located on the railing of the Orthodox Embankment opposite the city Philharmonic. The only pair sculpture in the city's collection and one of the most romantic. Miklós Bércényi and Krystina Csáky were the owners of the Uzhhorod Castle in the late 17th - early 18th centuries. Thanks to their efforts, the castle became not only a strong defensive structure, but also a luxurious palace. The couple is a symbol of loyalty and struggle. Miklós Bércényi became the owner of the castle at a young age. In 1694, fate brought him together with Christina Csáky, who was much older than him. The sculpture immortalized their love forever on the banks of the Uzh River.
• Ferenc Liszt - a figurine of the famous Hungarian composer on the corner of Županatska, Fedynets and Dovzhenko streets. Liszt created over 1,300 works during his life and became the founder of the Hungarian composer school. He loved to travel and did not miss Transcarpathia during his travels;
• Mozart - a figurine of the famous composer can be found in the courtyard of the music school near the Church of St. George, a place where music still sounds today. It is difficult to imagine a more appropriate place for this figurine. On January 27, 2015, on the composer's birthday, Uzhgorod was replenished with his sculpture. To some extent, Mozart can be considered local - during his lifetime, Transcarpathia was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire;
• Andy Warhol - Zhupanatska Square. The father of pop art looks at Uzhhorod from the fence of the Transcarpathian Art Museum. His presence here is not accidental, because Andy Warhol has Transcarpathian roots, his parents come from the village of Mykova in the Prešov region in Slovakia. At that time, this territory belonged to Austria-Hungary;
• Harry Houdini - despite the fact that the famous illusionist was born in Budapest, he has Ukrainian roots, his grandmother comes from the Transcarpathian village of Storozhnytsia. The location of the sculpture on Bohdan Khmelnytsky Square is not accidental: it is from here that the road leads to Storozhnytsia;
• Prince Laborets - on the walls of the Uzhhorod Castle. The bronze prince is twisted with a rope and symbolically attached to a metal sword. This image reminds of his tragic death. The mini-figure has been taking its place on the castle walls since 2016.
• Mykola Shugay - on the railing of the oldest coffee house in the city "Under the Castle" with a rifle in his hands sits the glorious robber, the hero of the novel by Ivan Olbracht, based on which a musical, a play and a movie were made;

Recently, the city has been replenished with another mini-sculpture. In the courtyard of the Uzhgorod Castle, a mini composition was installed in honor of the 380th anniversary of the Uzhgorod Union, as a result of which the Mukachevo-Uzhgorod Greek Catholic Diocese was proclaimed.

How to organize a search: a quest instead of a walk

A route called "Mini-sculptures of Uzhhorod" has been developed especially for city guests, which helps to find all the treasures scattered along the streets of the old city. It will take about 4 hours to see all the miniature monuments.

But it's best not to rush. The most interesting discoveries happen when you just walk without a route and suddenly notice a small bronze figure where you didn't expect it at all. Most of the sculptures are concentrated in the city center, but you need to be careful, because the figures are small and can be easily missed.

Where to stay: Emigrand Art Hotel

To fully enjoy Uzhhorod and not waste time on the road - choose a hotel in the very heart of the city.

Emigrand Art Hotel on Mytna Street, 31 is a pop art hotel where art is felt literally in every detail. The name is not accidental: the hotel concept combines American pop art with Transcarpathian ethnic motifs, inspired by the Ukrainian roots of Andy Warhol, the same one whose mini-sculpture stands a few minutes walk away.

From us to the Kyiv Embankment with Houdini and Schweik, to the Orthodox Embankment with the lovers Bercheny and Chucky, to Zhupanatska Square with Liszt and Warhol, to the Church of St. George and little Mozart, you can just reach with your hand. In fact, the entire route of mini-sculptures begins and ends at the doorstep of the hotel.

Comfortable rooms of the Comfort, Superior and Suite categories, delicious breakfasts, lunches and dinners in a buffet format, private parking, pet-friendly atmosphere and fast Wi-Fi - everything you need for a comfortable start to your daily walks around the city.

Uzhhorod is a small city, but it has many interesting locations. And the mini-sculptures prove this better than any guidebook.