No tour of Lutsk is complete without visiting Lubart's Castle, one of the most unique landmarks in Volyn and one of the "7 Wonders of Ukraine." This historical masterpiece has the power to transport you back to the times of knights and noble ladies when mighty walls defended against enemies, and legends intertwined with reality. The castle's significance for every Ukrainian is underscored by the fact that it is depicted on the 200-hryvnia banknote. So what makes Lubart's Castle so famous, and why is it worth visiting?
The History of Lubart's Castle
Lubart's Castle, also known as Lutsk Castle, is located in the heart of the city. From Ribas Ribas Rooms Lutsk, you can reach it in just a 10-minute leisurely walk. The history of the castle began in the 11th century when Prince Volodymyr built a wooden fortress on this site to protect the western lands of Kievan Rus. The fortress stood until 1267, resisting the armies of Polish ruler Bolesław, Moscow and Galician princes, and the Golden Horde, until Volynian Prince Vasylko Romanovych dismantled the walls at the demand of Burundai's envoy.
In the 14th century, the Lithuanian prince Lubart, who married the daughter of the ruler of the Galicia-Volhynia principality, Agrippina, and ascended to the princely throne, ordered the construction of a strong brick fortress in place of the wooden one. From that time on, the castle became a symbol of the city and a witness to many historical events. The medieval fortress in Lutsk was well-known and popular in Europe – in 1429, it even hosted a "summit" of kings and rulers from 15 European states.
Rebuilt in the Renaissance style in the 16th century under King Stephen Báthory, the structure acquired a more elegant and refined character. Over time, it lost its defensive function and became an administrative building. Today, the former defensive complex is the main attraction of the Old Lutsk Historical and Cultural Reserve, a hallmark of the city, and an important cultural object of Ukraine's national heritage.
Architectural Features of Lubart's Castle
Lubart's Castle towers majestically over the city, impressing with its unique architecture that has preserved the spirit of the Middle Ages. The perimeter of the fortress forms an irregular triangle, creating the feeling of a fairy-tale labyrinth, with each turn revealing new secrets. One of the most striking features of Lubart's Castle is its powerful walls and towers. The three main towers – the Styrov, Vladycha, and Entry towers – dominate the landscape, adding to the scale and grandeur of the structure. The Entry Tower has two bricked-up arches that once served as gates and the main entrance to the fortress. Both arches were equipped with drawbridges for additional defense. Visitors can usually only ascend the Entry Tower by paying for a tour, which allows them to not only dive into history but also enjoy panoramic views of the city from the castle's highest point.
The castle towers have narrow spiral staircases and steep steps, an important part of its defense strategy. This design allowed defenders to successfully repel attacks, as they could rotate shifts using the wall extensions for maneuvering. In earlier times, the fortress walls were crowned with battlements, known as merlons. However, with the advent of firearms, the battlements were sealed off, and the towers and walls were fitted with rows of loopholes, allowing defenders to use more modern weaponry for effective protection against enemies.
In addition to the main stone fortifications, Lubart's Castle once had an Outer Castle, of which only one tower and fragments of a wall remain today. The Outer Castle was built from wood and partially from brick. It served as a place for administrative and judicial authority, as well as the center of business activity.
What to See at Lubart's Castle?
Lubart's Castle is open to visitors year-round. You can join guided tours, where you’ll hear fascinating facts and legends about the castle and its inhabitants, or explore all the accessible areas on your own. If you enjoy quests, try finding the oldest inscription on the walls of Lutsk Castle, made in 1444, or search for signatures of famous people, such as Olga Kosach, the sister of Lesya Ukrainka.
During your visit, be sure to climb to the second floor of the Entry Tower, where the "Plytnytsia" exhibition is located, showcasing archaeological materials related to the fortress, as well as the "Castle Guard" exhibit.
In the Vladycha Tower, you’ll find:
The castle’s underground chambers are particularly fascinating. Here, you can feel the cold breath of the past and learn more about medieval life, including seeing ancient catacombs and wells that were used for defense and escape during sieges. In addition, the castle’s underground contains the remains of the Church of John the Theologian, where the graves of ancient princes, bishops, and wealthy townspeople are preserved in the cracks.
While exploring the old fortress, be sure to visit the local museums. Start with the Book Museum, located in a beautiful two-story 19th-century building that once served as a treasury. Here, you can find rare ancient manuscripts and printed editions, as well as old printing presses. Also, don’t miss the Lutsk Art Museum, housed in the former chancellery on the castle grounds.
Lubart's Castle often hosts festivals and historical reenactments. Knightly tournaments, medieval fairs, and theatrical performances bring the fortress back to life, reviving its ancient spirit of chivalry. If you want to see the castle in all its glory, be sure to attend one of these events.
Visiting Lubart's Castle is a great opportunity to dive into history and feel like a part of the medieval world. Take this journey with Ribas Hotel Group!
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