Fortresses of Western Ukraine: which locations are worth a visit

Choosing where to go for the weekend is not easy. After all, you want the weekend to be interesting and memorable. While some people are actively planning a ski vacation, we're telling you where else you can visit.

Lubart's Castle

Located in Lutsk. Back in the tenth century, a small settlement was located on its site. And in 1069, the building withstood a siege by the Polish army.

Initially, the building served as the residence of the Galician-Volynian Prince Hediminovych. Later, it began to change owners. The appearance of the fortress also underwent transformations. The ruler's followers rebuilt the castle from wood to stone.

Today you can see three towers here: The Entrance, Styrova, and Vladyche towers. They are said to symbolize Faith, Hope, and Love. In the first tower, tourists can see copies of ancient paintings, engravings, ancient maps, keys, toys, and more. The second housed a treasury, a prison, and a library. And in the latter, travelers will see the exhibition "Bells of Volyn, History and Modernity" and a collection of ancient weapons.

We also advise you to visit several museums: art and book.

There is a legend about the ruler Lubart and Princess Busha. According to legend, even after the woman's death, the man could not forget her. Nowadays, the newlyweds believe that if they pray here, their love will become just as eternal.

Khotyn fortress

It is located in Khotyn, Chernivtsi region. It was built in the XIII-XVIII centuries on the site of a Russian settlement. During the reign of Alexander the Good, the attraction was considered an important defense and trade point of Moldova. An interesting fact: the historical site is included in the list of the Seven Wonders of Ukraine.

During its existence, the fortress was home to Polish soldiers, Cossacks, and hetmans. It is said that one of the buildings once housed Turkish baths with swimming pools. And in the other, there was a harem with about 30 girls.

In 1621, there was an armed conflict between the Ottoman dynasty and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The city was also captured twice by Bohdan Khmelnytskyi's army during the liberation war in 1648-1654. In 1856, the center ceased to exist as a military facility.

Here, travelers will be able to see an ancient well, 62 meters deep.

By the way, the location has repeatedly become a movie set for many films: Taras Bulba, The Rising Hawk, The Three Musketeers, and The Ballad of Ivanhoe.

Ostroh Castle

Located in the Rivne region on a hill above the Vilia River valley. The building was erected on the site of a wooden fortification that was destroyed by the Mongol-Tatars in 1241. At first, it served as the residence of the Ostroh princes.

It housed several structures that served as defenses. The Epiphany Fortress Church became the spiritual center of Orthodox Ukraine. Various supplies were stored in the Stone Tower, and the princes lived on the upper floors. Not far from the Round Tower, in the printing house, Ivan Fedorov published the famous Primer and the Ostroh Bible.

We recommend visiting the local history museum on the territory of the attraction. It was founded in 1913. Here, tourists will see paintings, folk art, weapons, and ceramics. Also visit the monarch's office. It houses his furniture, a collection of icons, and the world's first complete edition of the Old and New Testaments.

Kamianets-Podilskyi fortress

It is located in the Khmelnytskyi region. Interesting fact: the historical corner is part of the Kamianets National Historical and Architectural Reserve, which is included in the list of the Seven Wonders of Ukraine.

The building was first mentioned in a charter of the Lithuanian-Russian prince Yuriy Koriyatovich in 1374. It was built to defend the Turkish Bridge. At one time, it united the Old Town and the "Great Land".

After 100 years of occupation and the Battle of the Blue Waters, the fortress was handed over to Olgerd's nephews: Yurii, Borys, Oleksandr, Kostiantyn, and Fedir. Under their rule, the building was revived. And during the reign of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, the location became the center of the Polish province.

We recommend going to the Debt Pit. Once upon a time, tax debtors were imprisoned here. Today, tourists throw coins into the hole to never take out loans.

Tustan

It is located in Stryi district of Lviv region. The attraction served as a parish and customs point on the strategic salt route. The center was first mentioned in 1340.

The creators of the fortification combined natural rocks with artificial buildings. It was a point for controlling trade routes and defending the territory.

Nowadays, wooden paths for tourists have been laid on the site. Travelers can climb the fortress's hill and admire the surroundings.

Go on a journey and explore the ancient strongholds of Ukraine!

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