Mini Statues of Uzhhorod in Uzhhorod, Ukraine

Is Alton, Illinois America’s Most Haunted Small Town? 5 days ago 14 Real Places That Haunt the Pages of Literature 7 days ago Over 80 miniature sculptures around Uzhhorod old town that depict Transcarpathian history and culture. Prince Laborets, the founder of Uzhhorod and the builder of the castle. They say that whoever can pull the sword out of the stone will become the owner of the castle.

However, this sword has already been pulled out, and the castle is still owned by the state. laemcmillan / Atlas Obscura User The first sculpture is of Mykolaychik, also known as St. Nicholas, was installed in 2010. Many believe rubbing his head will make all of your dreams come true. laemcmillan / Atlas Obscura User A sculpture dedicated to a meme from the Russian-Ukrainian war “The Professor from the Trenches” appeared in Uzhhorod.

A bronze sculpture of a bearded soldier-professor of UzhNU who lectured to students from the trenches. laemcmillan / Atlas Obscura User “Carpathia”, which was the first ship to respond to the Titanic’s distress signals and saved over 700 passengers. The ship was named after the Carpathian mountain range. laemcmillan / Atlas Obscura User Prince Laborets, the founder of Uzhhorod and the builder of the castle. They can be found in alleyways and on railings, outside restaurants and shops, and even beside some of the city’s most iconic cultural monuments.

The sculptures depict many parts of local life from local internet memes, to important people who have ties to the region, no matter how tenuous (Andy Warhol, Mozart, and Harry Houdini to name a few), to commemorating significant cultural events, including concerts, and Soviet era television shows. The first figurine, Mykolaychik, was installed in Teatralna Square in December 2010. The little statue quickly became a popular local icon, who is said to bring you good luck if you rub him.

Since then miniature sculptures have continued to appear around the city. With 83 sculptures currently scattered around the city, and more continuing to appear, the collection has become an unusual way to discover Transcarpathia while meandering through a beautiful city. Get more unusual and extraordinary places each week with the Atlas Obscura Places newsletter.

Your newsletter subscriptions with us are subject to Atlas Obscura's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. The majority of sculptures are scattered around the old town and can all easily be reached by walking. The most recent sculpture was added in June 2026, so make sure to check the MUSE travel website as it has the most up to date listing.