Castles and fortresses of Ukraine
Ukraine has a rich history. That’s why it’s not a surprise you can find lots of outstanding palaces, fortresses, and castles in Ukraine. We’ve chosen the most famous and beautiful of them from different regions and centuries, so you can plan your castle visiting trip.
Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle
Magnificent, large, well-maintained fortress with museums, cafe, places for great shots. Where each stone breathes with history and people’s destinies. Great place to feel the History of Humanity in general. It’s listed as one of the seven miracles of Ukraine due to its amazing beauty. Historians consider the fortress to be built in XIVth century, however, there are some mentions about it a few centuries before. Another curious thing – you can take part in the Night theater tour and open this place from another side. You can take hare very nice pictures. To open for yourself history of Ukraine and take a pleasure of view.
Zamkowa St, 1, Kamianets’-podilskyi, Khmel’nyts’ka oblast, Ukraine
Shenborn Palace
The Shenborn Palace is hidden in a small village in the Carpathians. It was built from 1890 to 1895 by the Count of Schönborn-Buchheim (Vice-Chancellor of the Holy Roman Empire) and served as a wooden summer residence for his family. Half a century later it was reconstructed into the magnificent palace in the Neo-romanticism style. Today it is used as a place for relaxation and recreation. Not only can you come for a one-day visit, but you can also stay here for a while and improve your health.
Khotyn Fortress
This is, probably, the oldest and the strongest building in Ukraine. Because since centuries it was built it remains almost unchanged. Moreover, you can imagine how many different events it went through if the first mentions about this fortress belong to the IXth century. Due to this fact, the place is famous as movie making and historical reconstructions venue. Here you can feel the true spirit of the old times. It felt good to be there, to walk the paths and climb the stairs that have seen so much history unroll before them. Dniester River is gorgeous and adds a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ to the whole picture.
Lubart’s Castle
When in the city of Lutsk, you must visit Lubart’s Castle. It is one of the biggest and oldest fortifications in Ukraine, and has been preserved almost in its original form. Built in the fourteenth century by Lithuanian prince Vitovt Lubart, it served as a residence. Now, tourists can climb up the tower of the castle and enjoy the view of the city, as well as the monuments of the state historical and cultural reserve called Old Lutsk.
Svirzh Castle
Svirzh Castle was built as a defensive structure in 1530. Over the period of its existence, it was repeatedly rebuilt, and after another reconstruction in the seventeenth century, the castle gained the features of an aristocratic residence. Elegant façades with purple roof tile compliment the romantic architectural elements and scenic landscapes. Svirzh Castle is a perfect destination for couples hoping to make lasting memories or artists eager to create beautiful masterpieces.
Pidhirtsi Castle
Built in the middle of the seventeenth century, Pidhirtsi Castle is a precious pearl of the Lviv region. The architectural monument is a true example of a Renaissance palace with its bastion fortifications. The three-story castle’s grounds encompass a luxurious Italian park, a courtyard and a Medieval cathedral; all of which were constructed later in the eighteenth century and reflect the Baroque style.
Medzhybizh Fortress
This impressive fortress has miraculously survived through the centuries, since its construction in the fourteenth century. Its ownership has changed hands often, and as a result, Medzhybizh Fortress has undergone various reconstructions. Locals call the fortress White Swan, as it is located at the confluence of the Southern Bug and Buzhok rivers, and its walls were once bright white. Its nickname has remained, although the snow-whiteness has gradually worn away.
Palanok Castle
Today this massive castle in the city of Mukachevo in Western Ukraine is also a museum. While there isn’t an exact recorded date of the castle’s construction, the first mention of it dates back to the eleventh century. Palanok Castle retains many secrets and legends, especially having been built on the top of a 68-meter-high (223 feet) extinct volcano. The fortress is divided into three terraces (levels): Upper, Middle and Lower locks. You will need an entire day to explore its territory.
Dubno Castle
Dubno Castle is one of Ukraine’s oldest castles, built in 1492. With thick walls and harsh swampy landscape, the castle was nearly impossible to storm, although many tried through the centuries. Residents took shelter in the castle during times of unrest and its sturdy foundation has yet to yield. Currently, the legendary castle in the western part of Ukraine is a monument of history and architecture and is a cultural preserve of the city.
Radomysl Castle
This castle-turned-museum is located in the Zhytomyr region in the small town of Radomyshl. Around the castle there is a charming park decorated with more than a thousand plants, small islets, bridges, and ancient stone sculptures. Inside, you’ll marvel at the collection of home icons (religious works of art), which is the largest collection of icons in Eastern Europe. It numbers more than 5,000 items of Christian art dating from the seventeenth to twentieth centuries, created and assembled from all regions of Ukraine.
Pletenetska Street, 15, Radomyshl’, Zhytomyrs’ka oblast, Ukraine
Chervonograd Castle
This place deserves to be named the most mysterious one among castles in Ukraine. The only things that left from the monumental building are two round towers. Today we can just imagine how breathtaking this place was. The palace was built in the IXth century, later went through reconstruction and now serves as reminding about the old times and inhabitants of this place. The castle situates far from civilization and infrastructure, surrounded by mountains forests. Definitely charming. It is abandoned but totally beautiful. There is also the very nice ruin of the church and refreshing waterfall nearby.
Nyrkov ur. Chervonoe, Ternopil region