Masaryk ash tree is a natural monument of local importance in Ukraine. The tree is 30 meters high and its trunk girth is 4,9 meters. It is one of the oldest ash trees in Ukraine. Named in honor of the first president of the Czechoslovak Republic, Tomas Masaryk.

History:

On the Independence embankment there grows one of the oldest trees in Uzhghorod — Masaryk ash tree. This tree is considered to be a historical relic, as its life is connected with two historically known persons. The first one is Tomas Masaryk, the President of the Czechoslovak Republic, a distinguished scholar and politician. During his presidency construction works in Uzhgorod were regulated and modernized. He also contributed to the improvement of culture and education. He played a significant role in the development of state institutions and personally had a very tolerant attitude towards representatives of different nationalities and religious beliefs. Therefore, Uzhgorod citizens decided to name the tree after the democratic President. Another person is Avgustyn Voloshyn, who simply liked this tree and rested in its shades at midday heat.

This ash tree is also peculiar as its trunk is enlaced with an ivy which is considered to be at least a hundred years old. This tandem is unique as the ivy is evergreen while the ash tree sheds it leaves in autumn. The ivy supposedly was to destroy the ash tree but apparently, they preferred to become friends.

Not far from Masaryk ash tree one can meet St. Nicholas all year round not only in winter. There is a small sculpture of St. Nicholas siting on the railings near the river with a bag full of gifts. How did he get there? Perhaps he arrived on-board the mini-ship Carpathia, which anchored nearby on the rails? This mini-sculpture is dedicated to the ship, which was first to arrive to save Titanic passengers.

Legends:

People say that the ash tree was named after Masaryk because he gave the city a time capsule in a silver case with the map of Uzhgorod of the 30-s. He buried this case near the ash tree and never told anybody where exactly.