Lviv region castles: the perfect October getaway

Don't know how to spend your next weekend? Go to Lviv! Or rather to its majestic palaces. Golden autumn gives these unique attractions a special charm. That's why you can not only take a nice walk here but also organize a real fairy-tale autumn photo shoot. To discover where to go, read below.

Svirzh

Located in the village of Svirzh in the Peremyshl district. The building was founded by Andriy and Martyn Svirzh in the XV century. At first, it was planned as a defensive walled structure. Later, the castle was reconstructed several times.

Today, the outer walls and roof have been preserved. The interior space is used for various events.

By the way, D'Artagnan and Three Musketeers (1978), Hetman (2014), Dovbush (2019), and other films were once filmed here.

There is also the Galician Society of Balloonists. Here, travelers can take to the skies in a hot air balloon and have a good look around the location and its surroundings.

Be sure to go to the Church of the Holy Trinity and the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. In 1481, a church of the Roman rite was built here. By the way, the house of God was repeatedly robbed. In 1765, the Moscow army stole an image of the Blessed Virgin, and in 1934, liturgical silver utensils were stolen. In 1942, the Germans requisitioned three bells. And in 1945, the Poles left Svirzh and took with them the figures of saints and the priests' clothes.

An old steam mill stands not far from the chapel. We advise you to go inside and see the unique mechanism.

Olesko

It is located in the town of Olesko, Zolochiv district. It is considered one of the oldest castles in Ukraine. It is said to have been built by the son of the Galician-Volynian prince Yuriy Lvovych.

The building was first mentioned in 1327. Since it stood on the border of Volyn and Galicia, there was a constant struggle for it. Later, in 1340, the Lithuanian ruler Liubartas (Demetrius of Liubar) became its owner. After that, the owners of the palace changed constantly. It belonged to King Casimir III the Great, Władysław II, Švitrigaila, and others.

Eventually. the building was transferred to the Lviv National Art Gallery. Today you can see unique exhibits here: unglazed framed tiles from the twelfth century, icons, portraits of the noble family of Rzewuski, and a marble bust of Queen Barbara Radziwiłł. There are also Western European tapestries, such as Polyphemus and Odysseus.

We also recommend going to the House for the Capuchin Fathers, a monument of late Baroque and Rococo architecture.

Zolochiv

It is found in the city of Zolochiv. The location is part of the Golden Horseshoe of Lviv Region tourist route. For centuries, the building has served as a fortress, royal residence, prison, manor, and educational institution.

The castle was founded in 1634 at the expense of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth nobleman Jakub Sobieski. It combines the functions of defense and home. Here, travelers will be able to see the ramparts, bastions, and gatehouse.

We also recommend visiting the Chinese palace, which was built in the style of a spire rotunda. Today it is home to the Museum of Oriental Cultures. It houses a falcon mummy, fragments of Egyptian sarcophagi, Japanese graphics, and various fabrics.

There are also more than 550 exhibits: weapons, porcelain, carpets, hunting trophies, and elements of painting. The collection includes copies of paintings by European artists. In particular, Albrecht Dürer's Madonna and Child, Peter Paul Rubens' The Last Supper, Judgment of Solomon, Rembrandt van Rijn's Hagar Exile and others.

Zhovkva

Located in the town of Zhovkva. The building was commissioned by the military leader Stanisław Żółkiewski in 1594-1606. Later, at the end of the seventeenth century, the castle served as the residence of monarch Jan III Sobieski. It once housed private rooms, a treasury, offices, and halls for official receptions.

Today, the architectural monument is subordinated to the Lviv National Art Gallery. In the museum, tourists will see engravings, photographs, weapons, household items, and sculptures.

Be sure to visit the St. Lawrence's Church. It is located on the main square. The church was built by Archbishop Jan Andrzej Próchnicki in 1623.

Pidhirtsi

A castle in the late Renaissance and Baroque style. It is located in Pidhirtsi, Zolochiv district. The building was erected in the 1635-1640s. In 1720, the third floor was added.

In 1940, the building was transferred to the Lviv Historical Museum. It was often used as a decorative element during excursions. Unfortunately, in 1956, there was a fire that destroyed part of the interior.

In 1979, the Belarusian feature film Savage Hunt of King Stakh was filmed here.

Today the building belongs to the Borys Voznytsky Lviv National Art Gallery.

We also recommend taking a walk in the Italian Park. It has a floral patterned parterre, terraces with a fountain, and marble sculptures. There is also a wood engraving depicting a garden landmark.

We wish you an atmospheric autumn trip!

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!