TOP 15 Palaces, Castles and Fortresses of Ukraine to Visit

The distinct character of Ukrainian history was shaped under the influence of many factors. Ukrainian lands repeatedly became a place of struggle, the tempting piece of territory foreign invaders sought to seize. This led to the construction of various buildings and structures for defensive purposes, which stood out for different architectural features, mostly common abroad. But thanks to the construction of these majestic and solid structures, contemporaries have the opportunity to see such beautiful buildings with their own eyes and feel part of Ukrainian history. For those planning a trip to Ukraine's notable places, we offer a selection of the most popular and impressive castles of Ukraine.

 

1. Medzhybizh Castle

 

In one of the old towns of Khmelnychchyna stands one of the well-known local landmarks — Medzhybizh Castle. It was built in 1362 as a defensive structure against frequent Tatar attacks. In addition, the defensive complex includes many other structures that created conditions for local residents to live in. This is evidenced by surviving ceramics, large window sizes, the presence of fireplaces, decorative attics, and white-stone portals. Among the surviving structures are the castle church, defensive walls, an arched drawbridge, three towers, and two castle buildings.

Today, Medzhybizh Castle is a popular tourist destination where knight tournaments are held twice a year, accompanied by loud celebrations and various surprises. You can learn more about the traditions and daily life of ancient times in the local history museum, located in the service buildings of the castle.

 

2. Pidhirtsi Castle

 

Pidhirtsi Castle in Pidhirtsi is a work of architecture created to order from the greatest magnate of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth — S. Koniecpolski — for rest and entertainment.

The luxurious castle was built to the design of the architects Guillaume Le Vasseur de Beauplan and Andre del Aqua. Famous monarchs came here, and well-known artists and poets described the castle. Here were kept a variety of objects striking in beauty and costliness, after which the rooms were named: the Gold, Mosaic, Green, Mirror, Chinese, Crimson, and others.

Today, Pidhirtsi Castle is part of the Lviv Gallery of Arts, which makes every effort to preserve and show visitors the beauty and luxury of the European nobility.

 

3. Ostroh Castle

One of the most majestic castles of Ukraine, the cultural heritage of Ostroh — Ostroh Castle, built in 1241 to strengthen the city against Mongol-Tatar attacks. At that time the castle was surrounded by a deep moat filled with water; behind its mighty walls stood the Epiphany fortress church, the Gate Tower, and the Murovana and Round towers. This unique structure has walls 3 m thick, its ledges were made for guards, and the lower part was fitted with loopholes.

On the territory of the present-day Ostroh Castle is the oldest museum in Rivne region. The castle's treasure is the Ostroh Bible — a complete edition of the Old and New Testaments.

The history of Ostroh Castle is steeped not only in interesting facts but also in legends told by the museum guides.

4. Schönborn Castle

A true ornament of Zakarpattia is Schenborn Castle. Its refined, elegant silhouette stands out from the surrounding greenery from afar. The castle's history began in 1728, when Karl 4 transferred the lands of Zakarpattia into the possession of architect Lothar Franz von Shebon. Thus, from a small hunting lodge, a majestic castle was built, designed by architect Grosserson. The uniqueness of the architecture of Schenborn Castle lies in its symbolism. It has 365 windows (the number of days in a year), 52 chimneys (the number of weeks in a year), and 12 entrances (the number of months in a year).

The Schönborn family did everything possible to preserve the castle. However, in 1944 they had to leave for another country, and in the 50s the castle became the property of the Karpaty sanatorium. And although little of the beauty of the interiors has survived since then, visitors can admire the beauty of the castle itself and the English-style arboretum surrounding it.

5. Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle

A flower on the stone, rising above one of Ukraine's popular tourist cities Kamianets-Podilskyi — is the eponymous castle, founded in the 9th century. It is a silent witness that survived the times of Khan Batu's attack and saw the city's decline and flourishing after the liberation by the Lithuanian prince Algirdas. Despite numerous wars, Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle has not only endured, but still looks beautiful.

Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle is the epicenter of the city's cultural life. Festivals are held here, loud celebrations and interesting excursions.

 

6. Lubart's Castle in Lutsk

 

One of the most beautiful structures in Lutsk is Lubart's Castle, built in the 10th century. The building is named after the Lithuanian prince Lubart, not because he built it, but because he put in maximum effort to preserve and rebuild it.

Over the years of its existence, the castle has repeatedly changed owners, was besieged, and served different purposes. Until the 16th century, it was a princely residence; from the middle of the 16th century, it was the center of judicial power; in the 18th century, it was a chancery; and today it is a historical and cultural reserve.

There are many legends around the castle, but it is worth seeing and hearing Lubart's Castle in person.

 

7. Olesko Castle

Externally an impregnable fortress, and from within a romantic gem of Lviv Oblast — this is what Olesko Castle looks like. The walls of the building have lived through many events: changes of owners, fires, wars, and decline. But after long reconstructions, the building not only regained its fine appearance, but also became a museum-reserve in the village of Olesko.

The modern museum of Olesko Castle contains many valuable historical artifacts, and the wall stucco has been preserved, emphasizing the building’s rich decor. The preserved paintings, stained glass, and mosaics of the rooms create a unique medieval atmosphere that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the past and learn more about the history of the castle and its owners.

The beauty of Olesko Castle attracts not only tourists, but also filmmakers, who shot The Three Musketeers, With Fire and Sword, and The Sapper there.

 

8. Palanok Castle

Mukachevo Castle Palanok is a mighty medieval fortress that impresses with its size and the number of tiers. Its appearance has constantly changed. Thus, from a small outpost of the 10th-11th centuries, it was rebuilt into a modern defensive fortress. Only at the end of the 15th century did Palanok Castle turn into a typical medieval structure. In the 16th century, a ring bastion and a watchtower appeared, and in the 16th-18th centuries the Lower and Front Castles were built. The fortress's impregnable nature is evidenced by the fact that enemies never managed to take it by assault.

Over the years of its existence, Palanok Castle constantly changed owners. It was owned by a Polish prince, the Hungarian king, Hungarian magnates, Transylvanian princes, the Rakoći family, and others.

At present, a branch of the Transcarpathian Museum of Local History operates in Mukachevo Castle. But the castle is interesting not only for its museum exhibition, but also for a variety of events: knightly battles, which are held here every year.

 

9. Zolochiv Castle

The medieval ornament of the Lviv town of Zolochiv — Zolochiv Castle — is now a museum-reserve, as well as a monument of national significance. Some call it a miniature of the Luxembourg Garden, while for others it is a kind of witness to incredible historical events.

The interior decoration of Zolochiv Castle has almost not been preserved, but the reconstructed chapel still contains an icon of St. Nicholas from the 17th century. The Great Residential Palace has toilets, fireplaces, and secret passages. The old noble rooms have now become the storage place for the museum exhibition “Interiors of Historicism,” which consists of antique furniture from the 17th-18th centuries.

 

10. Svirzh Castle

Anyone who has ever watched the film The Three Musketeers will certainly recognize Svirzh Castle in the frames; it is located in the remote settlement of Svirzh. The castle is an example of a defensive structure in which simple and expressive architectural forms, grandeur, and refinement of image are harmoniously combined.

Svirzh Castle was built in the 15th century. It was a strong stone fortification structure that acquired its modern appearance at the beginning of the 19th century, during the time of the Cetner family’s ownership. Since the owners were passionate gardeners, a luxurious park was laid out around the castle.

But after times of prosperity, the castle later experienced decline, yet this does not prevent it from surprising tourists with its legends and stories, and impressing them with the grandeur and beauty of its architecture.

 

 

11. Khotyn Castle

The majestic Khotyn Castle rises above the banks of the Dniester. Its towering 40-meter walls are no smaller in size than most apartment blocks.

The history of Khotyn Castle is as tragic and heroic as that of the town of Khotyn itself. Thanks to its favorable location as a trading center at the crossroads of trade routes, it was a coveted prize for enemies. However, this did not stop the castle from constantly changing its form, being rebuilt, and expanding. In the 18th century, the Turks added a fortress and a minaret, and created a harem where more than 30 Ukrainian girls were held. In the 19th century, the Church of St. Alexander Nevsky was built.

During the Second World War, Khotyn Castle suffered heavy destruction, but it was partially restored, which makes it possible to understand just how incredibly beautiful and impressive this structure is.

 

12. Dakhovskyi Castle

A luxurious estate in Cherkasy Oblast in the Gothic style, where life was in full swing at the beginning of the 19th century and the bustle of the guests of the Polish landowners could be heard. The castle was built and reconstructed according to the designs of the owners themselves — the Dukhnovskyi family, who were engaged in construction and architecture. Thus, by the beginning of the 20th century, the construction of the castle in Leskyi (Dakhovskyi) was completed, with a built-up area of 80 hectares.

After the owners moved to Poland, the castle was used as a rest home for sugar factory workers, a Pioneer camp, a hospital, a sanatorium, and military storage facilities.

Now Dakhovskyi Castle is in a state of decline and is waiting for sponsors and subsidies from the authorities.

 

13. Tarnovskyi Palace

Tarnovskyi Palace in Kachanivka is one of the few preserved estates in Chernihiv Oblast, included among the 7 Wonders of Ukraine. The estate was built in 1720 in a classical style with funds from Count P. Rumyantsev-Zadunaisky. Its area expanded significantly under the new landowning owners, the Tarnovskyi family. Since then, the palace has been turning into a cultural and artistic center, visited by M. Hohol, T. Shevchenko, M. Hlinka, M. Vrubel, I. Repin, V. Sternberg, M. Vovchok, and others. 

No less interesting is not only Tarnovskyi Palace, but also the park ensemble created around it, covering an area of 600 hectares. The “Romantic Ruins,” the Hills of Love and Fidelity, the gazebo with a grotto, and St. George’s Church have been preserved here.

 

14. Metropolitan Palace

One of the interesting sights of Chernivtsi — the Metropolitan Palace, which has become the city’s main tourist attraction. It draws attention with its size, originality, and the refinement of its interiors.

The Metropolitan Palace is rightfully considered the most beautiful among the existing palaces in Ukraine. The famous Czech architect Josef Hlávka took part in its construction. 

The Metropolitan Palace is a unique architectural masterpiece in which features of Byzantine, Moorish, Gothic, and Romanesque styles are combined. These elements were unusual for Bukovyna, which only set the building apart from the existing development. Anyone who comes to the modern building of the Yurii Fedkovych University can see for themselves the beauty and splendor of the palace, where tours are held for visitors to the city.

15. Akkerman Fortress

Among the largest medieval structures in Ukraine, special attention should be paid to Akkerman Fortress in Odesa Oblast. It was founded in the XVII century as a powerful defensive structure, whose strength has been successfully tested by years and frequent attacks by enemies.

Not only thick and high walls have been preserved in Akkerman Fortress, but also 24 towers. Two of them — the Maiden Tower and the Pushkin Tower — have their own stories connected with tragic historical events.

 

Traveling across Ukraine and choosing castles and palaces as interesting destinations, you can see how rich and fascinating the history of Ukrainians is, and gain unforgettable impressions and memories!