Ukraine can boast a significant number of fortifications. Each local castle is unique in its own way and has a fascinating centuries-old history.
Our journey through the castles of Ukraine continues. In the first and second parts, we explored the history of fifteen castles from various regions of the country. Today, we are ready to present the final third part of our detailed review dedicated to ancient fortresses.
Olesko Castle
Olesko Castle is perched on a hill in the town of Olesko, Lviv region. Since the fortress is located in a small settlement, we recommend booking a hotel in Lviv and then heading out to explore the ancient castle from there.
Olesko Castle was built in the 13th century, though it acquired its modern features closer to the 18th century. It was built by the famous Galician-Volynian prince Yuri Lvovich. The castle was first captured by the Poles in 1432, and afterward, it changed hands multiple times.
Unfortunately, by the 19th century, the castle had fallen into ruin partly due to an earthquake and partly due to the careless attitude of its owners. There are reports that at one point, locals found a hidden treasure in its walls, leading the owners to haphazardly destroy the walls and floors in hopes of finding more. Today, the castle has been restored, and the area around it is well-maintained.
flickr / Kathy
Pidhirtsi Castle
Another popular castle in the Lviv region is Pidhirtsi Castle. This building is notable for its harmonious blend of a classical Renaissance palace and fortification elements, making it an essential part of any review of Ukrainian castles.
The construction was designed by the renowned architect Andrea dell'Acqua. The fortress was built in the 17th century and was modeled after French fortifications. Fortified structures occupy the southern side, while the northern side features the palace, offering wonderful views of the surroundings. The palace's interior was also quite remarkable, especially the themed rooms - Mirror Hall, Knight's Hall, Golden Room, Mosaic Room, and Green Room. The Chinese Room stood unparalleled in luxury compared to other Ukrainian palaces of the time.
A luxurious park in the Italian style also graced the castle grounds. Unfortunately, little of the castle's former grandeur remains. Today, it is closed to visitors, and tourists can only admire its facades. Even so, it's enough to take beautiful photos and soak in the historic atmosphere.
flickr / Magnus B
Ostroh Princes' Castle
The Ostroh Princes' Castle in Starokostyantyniv is a remarkable example of one of the strongest structures in Ukraine. The castle complex was built in 1591 to fend off Tatar invasions. It succeeded in its purpose and was never conquered by the Tatars.
The castle's charm is enhanced by its location on the banks of the Sluč and Ikopot rivers, making it very photogenic today despite being partially ruined.
Uzhhorod Castle
Uzhhorod Castle is the central attraction of Uzhhorod, the capital of the Zakarpattia region. The castle's history dates back to the first fortifications on the hill in the 9th century, when local inhabitants, the White Croats, erected a wooden fortress surrounded by a palisade.
The first stone structures appeared at this site in the 10th-11th centuries. Several centuries later, the fortress underwent major reconstruction, which included the addition of rhomboid bastions at the corners, standing ten to fifteen meters high, and strengthened walls up to 3 meters thick.
The castle was surrounded by a deep moat and featured a drawbridge. The structure also included an underground system of tunnels and secret casemates for hiding from enemies, as well as torture rooms and a prison in the dungeons.
Today, Uzhhorod Castle is a well-developed tourist site with a museum and various events held on its grounds.
flickr / Paul Shykuts
Yazlovets Castle
If you are looking for perfect castle ruins covered in moss and centuries-old dust, then you should visit Yazlovets Castle in the village of Yazlovets, Ternopil region. It was built in the 16th century and held a key position in the region's defensive system. Among the various beautiful Ukrainian castles we reviewed, the charm of this fortress lies in its imperfection and decay. However, the complex also includes renovated buildings, now functioning as a sanatorium. Additionally, a nunnery is located on the grounds.
flickr / Sergey Shalaev
Svirzh Castle
Svirzh Castle is another castle in the Lviv region. Built in a palace style, it stands on Mount Belz, surrounded by swamps and ponds.
The castle grounds include a church that originally appeared in the 15th century as a wooden building. Its stone counterpart, which has survived to this day, was built in the 16th century. There is also an old abandoned well in the inner courtyard.
Today, parts of the castle are being reconstructed to create a recreational home within its walls. Only the outer defensive walls retain their original appearance.
flickr / alexey.t
Kyiv Fortress
Kyiv Fortress is one of the main attractions of Kyiv. Every visitor to the capital of Ukraine must see this architectural marvel. Kyiv Fortress is one of the largest stone-earth fortifications in the world, and it includes the complex of the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra.
Construction of the fortress began in the 17th century, though most of the building took place in the 19th century. Designed by engineer Karl Opperman under the decree of Emperor Nicholas I, it was a grandiose fortification project. The scale of the construction is evident from historical records, which note that some residents of the Pechersk district of Kyiv had to be relocated for the project.
Interestingly, the fortress never saw battle; it was never used for its intended military purpose. In the 19th century, it served as a warehouse. Today, parts of Kyiv Fortress are open to visitors, while some buildings are still under military jurisdiction.
flickr / Anatoly Gray
Yagolnytsky Castle
Yagolnytsky Castle is the ancestral home of the Liantskoronsky family. The castle was built in the 17th century, with some buildings on the grounds being added in the 18th, 19th, and even the 20th centuries. The castle overlooks the banks of the Cherkaska River and is surrounded by picturesque forests.
At one time, there was a tobacco factory operating within its walls. Today, not all parts of the castle are open to visitors. Unfortunately, curious tourists cannot explore the underground passages. Locals say that these secret subterranean tunnels indeed exist and that Ukrainian Insurgent Army fighters once hid within them.
We have tried to gather the most interesting and noteworthy sites for you in one place. We hope our review of beautiful Ukrainian castles has impressed you and inspired you to embark on new journeys and discoveries.
