Castle and fortress in Zolochev were built in 1634 by Jakub Sobieski. The building was based on the principle of Dutch fortifications. It consisted of defensive walls in the form of a square 135 by 135 meters and a courtyard with luxury living blocks in the form of a square 110 by 110 meters. The form of the fortress bastion allowed to put the guns so as to cover all sides.
In 1672, the castle was captured by the the Turkish army during six days. The castle owner was defending Kamianets-Podilskyi at that moment and moved all the best weapons there. Three years later, there was another serious battle for the castle, but that time it persevered.
In Soviet times, the castle became a prison of special treatment. But the real meaning of this "special" the people learned only when the Nazis opened the prison for visiting with the aim of propaganda during the World War II. The number of dead bodies under the prison was enormous. It means that the Bolsheviks used the most brutal tortures in the prison.
Nowadays the territory of the castle is very beautiful. You can climb the ramparts and enjoy a beautiful scenery. The reconstruction is going on and the area is getting better and better with every year. The Chinese palace is currently a museum of oriental civilizations. Overall, it's an excellent place for tourists, we liked it.
View from the earth walls surrounding the castle ©Yuriy Buriak
The castle was able to get its present form due to charity of Peter Pisarchuk, a businessman and parliament member, who donated nearly two million euros.
Zolochiv сastle ©Yuriy Buriak
Zolochiv сastle ©Yuriy Buriak
Getting there: By train from Lviv or by minibus from Lviv from the Lychakivska str., near the endpoint of tram #2.
