The most mystical castles of Ukraine worth visiting
The most mystical castles of Ukraine and their fascinating legends (photo: Wikipedia)
Ancient walls and legends that have lived for centuries. Ukrainian castles have not only been preserved as architectural monuments — many of them have also become sources of mystical stories that attract tourists just as much as museum exhibits.
RBC-Ukraine tells where the most mystical castles in Ukraine, full of legends, ghosts, and secrets of the past, can be found.
Pidhirtsi Castle (Lviv region) – Ukrainian ghost in white
Pidhirtsi Castle, built in the 17th century for Hetman Stanisław Koniecpolski, has long had the reputation of being the Ukrainian Versailles. However, beyond its beauty and grandeur, it is also famous for its mystical reputation.
Locals call it the home of the White Lady — the ghost of a woman who, according to legend, was walled up inside due to jealousy. Tour guides say that during restoration works, people have heard footsteps and a woman’s crying in the empty halls.
Pidhirtsi Castle (photo: Wikipedia)
Olesko Castle (Lviv region) – Birthplace of legends and a hetman
Olesko Castle is one of the oldest castles in Ukraine. It is here that the future Hetman of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth, Jan Sobieski, was born.
According to legend, when the midwife received the newborn and laid him on the table, a crack ran across the marble tabletop with such a thunderous roar that the midwife went deaf. The boy, however, was unharmed, and people immediately began to predict a great future for him. But that is not the only thing the castle is famous for.
In the 17th century, the beautiful Martsiana Danilovich lived in the castle. Her hand was sought by the impoverished nobleman Adam Żółkiewski. However, the prominent military leader Ivan Danilovich wanted a wealthy son-in-law and rejected all of Adam’s proposals.
After several attempts and refusals, the young man grabbed a knife and stabbed himself in the chest in front of all the guests. Adam’s body, having committed the grave sin of suicide, was thrown into a marshy ravine near the castle walls.
Some time later, Martsiana married Stefan Koniecpolski, and on her wedding day, she saw a ghost in the castle — a pale young man wandering through the rooms searching for his beloved. Locals say that the young man still roams the castle today.
Olesko Castle (Wikipedia)
Khotyn Fortress (Chernivtsi region) – Energy that knocks you off your feet
Khotyn Fortress has witnessed more battles than any other castle in Ukraine. It stands above the Dniester River and literally breathes history.
Tourists often say that it’s hard to breathe inside — the energy of the place is too strong. There is even a story about the ghost of a warrior who appears near the walls before changes in the weather. This is where the films Taras Bulba and D’Artagnan were shot.
The most fascinating legend of this castle is about the girl with the jug. Brave warriors defended the fortress for months. But one day, the castle ran out of water, and thirst set in. Then a young and courageous girl volunteered to fetch water from the river.
She secretly made her way to the Dniester and filled her jug, but on her way back, enemies spotted her and shot arrows. The girl received a fatal wound, and as she rose, some water spilled onto the wall.
Yet she managed to deliver the jug to the defenders and died in their arms. The water stain, however, did not dry and took the shape of the jug — and they say it still exists today.
Another legend is about the daughter of a tyrant prince. Her father wanted to marry her off to a foreigner, but she was in love with the military commander and refused the advantageous marriage. The father then ordered her to be walled up alive in the fortress wall.
They say she is still trapped in the wall, shedding bitter tears — and at that spot, a damp stain constantly appears.
Khotyn Fortress (photo: Wikipedia)
Chervonohorod Castle (Ternopil region) – Ruins amidst silence
The mystical ruins of Chervonohorod Castle near Nyrkiv are one of the most atmospheric places in Ukraine. The castle is located in a picturesque valley near the Dzhuryn Waterfall.
According to legend, locals have seen the ghosts of young women who once died during a siege. Others say that at night, whispers and the clinking of chains can be heard near the ruins.
Locals say that a young girl perished in the castle during the siege — she still wanders the ruins. There is also a legend about enchanted treasures that can only be seen on the night of Kupala. Any attempt to seize them is doomed to bring a curse.
Additionally, the castle is said to have underground passages connecting it to a monastery, guarded by a black wolf, which is occasionally seen near the castle ruins.
Chervonohorod Castle (photo: Wikipedia)
Tarakaniv Fort (Rivne region) – Underground trap
Built in the 19th century to defend the borders of the Russian Empire, today the fort is one of the most mystical locations in Ukraine.
Its underground passages resemble a labyrinth, easy to get lost in. Tourists say that footsteps, echoes of voices, and a chilling cold can be felt even in the heat. There is a legend about a soldier who died during battles and still "patrols" the corridors.
Another frequent tale tells of the ghost of a deceased priest who once served in the fort’s garrison church. It is said that he still roams the dark corners and rings the bells, calling people to service.
The fort also once had a trap room, where a false floor at the entrance would tilt and send unwanted guests into a deep well.
Due to its complicated history, closed-off sections, and many collapses, visiting the fort without a guide is dangerous.
Tarakaniv Fort (photo: Wikipedia)
Radomysl Castle (Zhytomyr region) – Alchemy and ancient music
Although it is a reconstruction of a 17th-century paper mill, the modern Radomysl Castle has a special aura. Founded by historian Olha Bohomolets, it has become both a museum and a spiritual center.
They say strange things happen here: clocks stop during concerts of ancient music, and candles extinguish on their own. Tourists describe the place as "alive."
Radomysl Castle (photo: Wikipedia)
Uzhhorod Castle (Transcarpathia) – Walled-in woman and the shadows of knights
Uzhhorod Castle is one of the oldest fortresses in Western Ukraine. Its history dates back to the 9th century, and it has so many legends that a whole TV series could be made about them.
The main legend is about the daughter of Count Druget, who was walled up in the wall for betrayal. The girl fell in love with an enemy commander and helped him capture the fortress. It is said that at night her silhouette can be seen in one of the underground corridors, and sometimes her soft singing can be heard.
Another legend tells of the White Lady — an aristocrat who fell in love with a rebel from Ferenc Rákóczi’s troops. Her beloved was killed by her father’s servants in front of her, and she herself was walled up alive in the castle.
Uzhhorod Castle (photo: Wikipedia)
Schenborn Castle (Transcarpathia) – Magic of architecture and mirrors
This fairytale palace near Mukachevo was the former hunting residence of the Counts of Schenborn. But not everything here is as peaceful as it seems.
The palace’s architecture is built on an astronomical principle: 365 windows, 52 chimneys, 12 entrances — like a calendar. It is said that at night, the mirrors reveal the faces of those who once lived here.
Schenborn Castle (photo: Wikipedia)
Sources: Lviv Historical Museum, Lviv.travel, Visit Ukraine Today, Wikipedia, and the official websites of Pidhirtsi, Olesko, Uzhhorod, Radomysl Castles, and Tarakaniv Fort.
