When planning a long-awaited vacation, each of us dreams of a dream vacation. For some, this is an opportunity to soak up the sun on the seashore, for someone – a chance to get a dose of adrenaline, conquering the mountain peaks. And there is a category of people for whom rest is a hunt for impressions. Those who are thirsty for new discoveries are invited to go on a mystical tour of the ancient castles of the Lviv region. In addition, in mid-August – early September in this part of Ukraine, the weather is very pleasant, conducive to long walks.
Located 75 kilometers from Lviv. For a long time (since it was built in 1327) it served as a military fortress. After the conclusion of the peaceful Union of Kreva, the Olesko castle lost its defensive significance and served as a home for many rulers and their vassals. For example, it was here that the future king of Poland, Jan III Sobieski, was born in 1629.
In addition to military and royal glory, the castle also has its own darkly romantic legends. They say that in one of its halls, an unfortunate young lover named Adam Zholkevsky committed suicide, to whom the owner of the Olesko castle, the powerful Prince Danilovich, refused the hand and heart of his only daughter.
According to the strict laws of that time, they did not bury the suicide but simply threw the body into the swamp. There, outside the walls of the modern museum, in the moat, they say, you can still see this restless soul today, hear insinuating steps … But this is a story for lovers of mysticism.
For connoisseurs of art, Olesko Castle will be of interest to hundreds of unique works of painting, sculpture, applied art, icons, antique furniture, and interior items.
Zolochevsky castle
Reminds me of a dream of a Barbie house embodied in stone. Actually, the central element of the palace territory is something like this: inside the fortifications, by the decision of the Polish king, a small Chinese (Pink) palace was built, which the monarch presented to his wife, Maria Casimire de Lagrange d’Arquien.
The entire area around the palace is a beautiful garden with numerous fountains and pavilions.
In the main building of the castle, a prison was located for many years. In the 50s of the XX century, a vocational school settled in the castle.
Only after perestroika did the castle become a museum.
Podgorica Castle
A palace in the Renaissance style… This is how Podgoretsky Castle is called in various guidebooks. The building is surrounded by a chic park – walking there, you can see how the carriages famously rolled along the alley, how the interiors of the castle amazed with their luxury.
With the advent of Soviet power in the Lviv region, in the 1940s, the castle was transferred to the Lviv Museum. But museum workers failed to save it: by a new decree of the authorities in 1949, the castle became … a tuberculosis dispensary, continuing to function in this role right up to the 90s.
Opposite the castle is another noteworthy object: the Roman Catholic Church of the Exaltation and St. Joseph, which was built in the 18th century as a tomb for a noble family.
Art connoisseurs who are deeply versed in the matter especially appreciate the church for the sculptures of the great masters Fessinger and Leblanc. But even if these names don’t mean anything to you, the church is guaranteed to impress.
Svirzh castle
It was here that one of the most dramatic scenes of The Three Musketeers was filmed – the death of d’Artagnan’s beloved. The First World War had disastrous consequences for the castle: it burned to the ground. Later, the Polish general de Lamesan undertook the restoration of the castle, which lasted 9 years and completely transformed the ruins.
In Soviet times, the castle was given to the Union of Architects. It is worth visiting the castle not only to touch the antiquity but also to enjoy the incredible beauty of nature.
The surroundings of the castle are very picturesque – the landscape resembles the Carpathians in miniature: rather steep cliffs, lush greenery of forests, lakes, and ponds.
Going on a trip to medieval castles, do not forget to take care of your health. The locals are very responsive and always ready to help, but it’s still better to have your hygiene and first aid products on hand.
Antiseptics, antipyretics, insect bites, wound care, diarrhea and allergy medications, ointments for solving skin problems ( Ilon ointment, for example, will help with pustular skin lesions that often occur on the way) – collect a first aid kit in advance to be ready for any adventure!
