In Ukraine, you can find more than two dozen ancient castles. These majestic stone buildings are not only important architectural landmarks but have also been silent witnesses to the state's history over the centuries.
In the first part of the article, you already learned about such popular fortresses as Palanok Castle in Mukachevo and Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi Fortress in the Odessa region, as well as other architectural masterpieces in various regions. Now, let's continue exploring the world of castles further. Here's another dose of historical curiosities for you.
Dubno Castle
Dubno Castle is one of the oldest fortifications in Ukraine. It is believed to have been built back in the 10th century, but due to constant destruction and reconstruction, the official construction date is considered to be 1492. Even after this date, the castle changed its appearance many times. The structure is located in a picturesque location on the bank of the Ikva River, whose waters were once used to fill the moat around the castle.
Overall, Dubno Castle is a striking example of medieval architecture with powerful high walls, dungeons, and secret passages, although it also features elements of the Renaissance. Undoubtedly, it is one of the most beautiful Ukrainian castles. For a long time, it belonged to the Ostrozki family, as evidenced by the Ostrozki Palace located on the south side. The castle complex also includes a palace of another owner, Prince Lubomirski.
The castle has been well-preserved to this day. Today, it houses a museum, and thematic exhibitions and events are held there.
flickr / Andrei Dmitriev
Medzhybizh Castle
Medzhybizh Castle is located on the bank of the Southern Bug River in the Khmelnytskyi region. The castle represents the era of the classic Renaissance. It was built in the 16th century and has an interesting triangular shape. The castle often changed owners. At one time, it was captured by the troops of Bohdan Khmelnytskyi and Maksym Kryvonis.
The castle's uniqueness is enhanced by archaic-style loopholes, few of which remain throughout Ukraine. One such loophole resembles a three-level tower. A Catholic church is built in the middle of the castle courtyard. Research and restoration work is still being carried out in the castle, so many facts remain a mystery.
Every year, the "Old Medzhybizh" historical costume festival is held on the fortress grounds. The program includes historical event reenactments, costume contests, shooting tournaments, and much more.
flickr / Sergii Gulenok
Kamenets-Podilsky Fortress
Of course, an overview of Ukrainian castles would be incomplete without mentioning the famous Kamenets-Podilsky Fortress. The history of this castle begins in the 14th century. The first thing that catches your eye is the unique territorial location of the complex. The castle is built on a sort of island surrounded by a natural canyon. The Smotrych River flows through the canyon. The fortress is connected to the rest of the city by a bridge that runs across a rock.
Historians believe that the castle was rebuilt about 19 times, and the appearance it has today emerged approximately in the 16th century. Kamenets-Podilsky Fortress is a vast structure. The area of the two castles on its territory alone is 4.5 hectares. Additionally, three churches were also located here. Kamenets-Podilsky Fortress is considered one of the most impregnable fortresses in Ukraine, as it has only been successfully captured a few times throughout its history.
Today, thematic festivals, exhibitions, and other mass events are frequently held on the fortress grounds.
flickr / Wojciech Miga
Letichev Castle
The castle in Letichev in the Khmelnytskyi region might not be worth a special trip, but if you happen to be passing through this town, be sure to stop by. The first fortress in Letichev appeared in the Middle Ages and was wooden. What remains today (a tower and castle walls) belongs to a later reconstruction of the castle at the end of the 16th century.
In the 19th century, the castle became a refuge for rebels led by Ustim Karmaliuk. His monument stands next to the tower. During World War II, there was a Jewish concentration camp located here.
flickr / kylepounds2001
Radomyshl Castle
Radomyshl Castle in the Zhytomyr region can be called unique, if only because it is privately owned by politician Olga Bohomolets. In 2007, she purchased the mill that stood on this site and began the reconstruction process, after which it was discovered that the mill was built on the foundation of an old paper workshop from the 17th century.
After all the reconstructions, tourists are now greeted by a beautiful red-brick castle with a tower. It houses a museum complex, including the only home icon museum in Europe. Additionally, it includes a scenic landscape park, a one-of-a-kind concert hall with a live stream, and the restoration of paper production using 17th-century technologies.
flickr / Andrew_dub_11
Skalat Castle
The castle with four towers in the town of Skalat in the Ternopil region was erected in 1630. The structure is situated on the bank of the Hnyla River. In the 17th century, it was used as a residence by the family of Jan Firlej.
Until the 2000s, the castle was in a state of disrepair, but now it is being actively restored. It is planned that one of the towers will be converted into a hotel, and a historical museum will be set up inside the second tower.
flickr / Oleksiy M
Chynadiyovo Castle
Chynadiyovo Castle in the Zakarpattia region is surrounded by beautiful mountainous landscapes and attracts many tourists despite its dilapidated state. One could say that this dilapidation adds a special charm to the castle. The fortress was built in the 14th century. Throughout its existence, the castle has been owned by notable figures such as Count Schönborn and Princess Ilona Zrínyi with her son Ferenc II Rákóczi.
Chynadiyovo Castle consists of two floors. Recently, the first level underwent reconstruction, and today six spacious rooms and a large hall house exhibitions dedicated to Celtic and Scythian culture, along with displays of all the castle's owners. The second floor of the fortress precisely mirrors the layout of the first.
Khotyn Fortress
Khotyn Fortress is recognized as one of the seven wonders of Ukraine, with which we completely agree. Perched on the steep banks of the majestic Dniester, the fortress attracts attention with its centuries-old white walls and black spires of the towers.
The history of the fortress began back in the 10th century, when the Khotyn fort was established here by order of Prince Volodymyr the Great. Over its existence, the fortress has been in the hands of Turks, Poles, Moldovans, Austrians, and Ukrainians. One of the most impressive features of the castle is its rear wall, which stands forty meters high and five to six meters thick. Khotyn Fortress has often served as a backdrop for the filming of feature films. Today, events dedicated to Cossack history are held within its walls.
flickr / Anton Suprunenko
If you enjoyed the first and second parts of the story about the beautiful castles of Ukraine, we invite you to continue the journey through the depths of history and proceed to the concluding third part of the article. More stories, incredible facts, and fascinating details about the castles of our country await.
