Statue of lamplighter "dyadya Kolya"

In the very heart of the ancient city of Uzhhorod, on the wall of a building on the bustling Korzo Street, a remarkable bronze figure stands still. The Uncle Kolya the Lamplighter Monument is not just an art object, but a tribute to a real resident who brought light to the streets of this city for decades. The sculpture depicts a man in work clothes, intently lighting a lamp, instantly transporting passersby into the atmosphere of the last century.

Statue of Lamplighter Uncle Kolya. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

One of the most interesting details of the composition is a bronze suitcase with books sitting on the pavement at the lamplighter\'s feet. This is a reminder that Mykola Derevyanko (the hero\'s prototype) was an exceptionally erudite man and a passionate reader. In Ukraine, this monument stands out for its sincerity and lack of pretension, celebrating daily labor and human kindness.

The sculpture is harmoniously integrated into the pedestrian zone and is considered one of the iconic \"mini-sculptures\" of the region. Thanks to its touching story and high rating among travelers, the lamplighter has become a true symbol of the city, attracting thousands of tourists who want to touch the legend.

For those who want to learn more about the history of this place in advance, an information resource is available. The street sculpture does not have official phone numbers or social media pages, but it is easily found on all tourist maps of the city.

The first thing to do at the monument is to take a close look at the details. Be sure to notice the suitcase with books and newspapers: there is a belief among locals and tourists that touching it brings good luck and new knowledge. Many also rub the bronze lamplighter\'s nose \"for luck,\" which is why it always shines so brightly in the sun.

The sculpture is an ideal spot for original photos. Try to catch an angle as if you are helping Uncle Kolya light his lamp. It looks especially atmospheric in the evening twilight when the real streetlights on Korzo Street are lit. Nearby, there are many cozy cafes and pastry shops where you can enjoy a cup of the famous Transcarpathian coffee after visiting the landmark.

If you are walking with a guide, be sure to ask them to tell you anecdotes about the life of Mykola Derevyanko — there are many circulating in the city. The area around the monument is always full of life: street musicians often perform here, and local fairs and festivals are held, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the city\'s cultural environment.

The sculpture is located in the very \"heart\" of the city on the pedestrian Korzo Street, 24. If you are at Uzhhorod Castle or the central square, the walk to the monument will take no more than 5–10 minutes through the picturesque streets of the old center. A landmark is the busy intersection where the figure of the lamplighter is harmoniously integrated into the building\'s architectural ensemble.

Getting here by public transport is very easy: any buses or minibuses (marshrutkas) going to the \"Korzo\" or \"Center\" stops will work. From there, the destination is just a couple of minutes away on foot. If you arrive at the railway station, you can take a bus or a taxi; the trip to the central part of the city will take about 15–20 minutes.

For travelers arriving by car, please note that Korzo Street is a pedestrian zone. It is recommended to leave your car in paid parking lots on adjacent streets or near the castle, and then continue on foot. The location is fully accessible for those with strollers thanks to the level paving of the pedestrian zone.

Behind the bronze figure lies the story of a real person — Mykola Derevyanko, whom locals affectionately called Uncle Kolya. For over 40 years, he manually lit the old electric lamps in the city center, becoming an integral part of the cityscape and a living legend.

Uncle Kolya was known not only for his dedication to his work but also for his incredible erudition. He always carried a suitcase with books and newspapers, using every free minute to read. Residents called him a \"walking encyclopedia\" for his extensive knowledge in various fields, from science to art.

The sculpture was created in the early 2010s by the famous master Mykhailo Kolodko. The idea to immortalize the image of a simple worker belonged to the city\'s mayor at the time. The monument became an important symbol of respect for working people, emphasizing that the true heroes of the city are its residents who sincerely love what they do.

Today, this monument is considered one of the city\'s most touching landmarks. It serves as a reminder of the times when a specific person was responsible for the light on the streets, bringing a touch of nostalgia and soulfulness to the modern streetscape.

A quick look at the sculpture, a short photo session, and learning about Uncle Kolya\'s history usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes. It is an ideal stop during a leisurely stroll along the city\'s main pedestrian artery.

If you decide to combine your visit with a break at one of the neighboring cozy cafes or a detailed search for other mini-sculptures, you should set aside about an hour for this area. The compact arrangement of attractions in the center allows you to see a great deal in a short amount of time.

The Uncle Kolya the Lamplighter monument is located outdoors on a public street, so it is available for viewing 24 hours a day. You can come here at any time — whether it\'s early morning when the city is just waking up, or late evening when the sculpture looks especially symbolic in the light of the night lamps.

The site is open daily, without breaks or days off. Nevertheless, before your trip, you can check the city\'s official tourist website to find out about any festivals or cultural events taking place on Korzo Street.

Uzhhorod is a city with a rich history, and exploring the area around the monument will allow you to dive deeper into its unique atmosphere. Walking through the central streets, you will find many interesting locations just a few minutes away.

Near \"Uncle Kolya,\" you will find both architectural masterpieces of past centuries and modern places for relaxation and entertainment. Here is a list of nearby sites worth visiting: