Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle

gjexcalibur (Atlas Obscura User)

This imposing stone edifice was originally constructed in the 14th century, and though it’s been rebuilt and remodeled many times over the centuries, it is incredibly well-preserved. The castle is by far the primary reason for visitors to make the trek to Kamianets-Podilskyi, a city of 100,000 people situated along the Smotrych River in western Ukraine.

Kamianets-Podilskyi Castle was a crucial defensive bulwark in western Ukraine for centuries, with an unparalleled record of repelling invaders from Cossacks to Ottoman Turks to Tatars. It also boasts the unheard-of feat of successfully resisting a staggering 51 attacks by the Mongol hordes of the 13th and 14th centuries.

The castle at one time featured no less than 12 towers, though only 7 remain intact today. Still, what remains is impressive, as it sits picturesquely sprawled over the hillside across the winding Smotrych River. Inside, you can explore all the dark corridors, dank dungeons, stone passageways, battlements, towers that any castle junkie could hope for.

Know Before You Go

After crossing the bridge you approach the entrance to the castle, pay a nominal fee and you're inside. If you don't have your own vehicle to reach the city of Kamianets-Podilskyi, there are buses available from all major cities of western Ukraine such as L'viv or Khmelnitskiy.