Forgotten palaces of Ukraine: Hidden grandeur worth discovering
Five castles of Ukraine worth seeing at least once in a lifetime (collage: RBC-Ukraine)
Ukraine is not only Kamianets or Khotyn. There are dozens of places where, instead of tourist-packed paths, you will find real mysticism, abandoned grandeur, and history that gives you goosebumps. If you are looking for something special, where you can feel the spirit of the past without queues for souvenirs, this list is for you.
RBC-Ukraine tells about five incredible castles and palaces in Ukraine that undeservedly remain in the shadows, but are capable of impressing even experienced travelers.
Dakhovsky Palace: Little England in the Cherkasy region
If you want to see a true English neo-Gothic wonder in the middle of a Ukrainian village, go to Leskove. This castle looks as if it were brought here straight from Oxfordshire.
Red brick, elegant towers, and a strict architectural style - the Dakhovsky family knew architecture well. For a long time, the site was closed (a military unit was located there), which helped preserve its authenticity. It is an ideal place for those who love hidden “secret” locations with a touch of aristocracy.
Szent-Miklos Castle: where love lives
In the village of Chynadiieve in Zakarpattia stands a castle that may seem gloomy from the outside. But its history is the most famous romance of the 17th century. It was here that Countess Ilona Zrini met her beloved, the leader of the uprising, Imre Thököly.
The castle is leased by artist Yosyp Bartosh, who is literally saving it from ruin. There is no pomp here, but there are evening torch-lit tours, secret passages inside the walls, and a truly living energy.
Pidhirtsi Castle: Ukrainian Versailles with ghosts
Although it is part of the “Golden Horseshoe” route, it cannot be called ordinary. It is one of the finest European examples of combining a Renaissance palace with bastion fortifications.
Even in a semi-ruined state, it looks majestic and slightly eerie. They say that the “White Lady” still wanders in its underground passages. If you appreciate the aesthetics of ruins and monumental architecture, Pidhirtsi will captivate you.
Palace in Tartakiv: forgotten luxury of Galicia
This place is for those who love abandoned sites with a soul. The palace in Tartakiv (Lviv region) was once so luxurious that it was compared to French estates.
Today it is waiting for restoration, but its façade with sculptures and remains of stucco still impresses. It is a location for atmospheric photo sessions and reflections on how quickly glory fades.
Chervonohorod Castle: mystical towers in a crater
Probably the most photogenic and mysterious place in the Ternopil region. Two tall towers stand on a hill in the middle of a huge “bowl”, and nearby flows Dzhuryn Waterfall, the highest plain waterfall in Ukraine.
The town of Chervonohorod no longer exists on the map - it simply disappeared, leaving only these towers behind. The feeling here is absolutely cosmic: as if you are at the edge of the world where time has stopped.
