Exploring Ukraine's Castles - Lutsk

[matera]

Castles are a very popular tourist attraction in Ukraine.
How many castles are there? It appears there are 116 left. They are mainly concentrated in Western Ukraine. Unfortunately, many of them are ruined and need redecoration badly. Visiting them without the local guide can be a dangerous experience. Tarakaniv fortress is a perfect example. Everyone knows gorgeous Kamianets-Podilsky, Khotyn and the Golden Horseshoe Castles around ancient Lviv. Still, there are more fabulous places in Ukraine definitely worth visiting which are not advertised in the media and lack popularity among foreign tourists.

Lutsk High Castle is one of them. Known as Lubart’s Castle, it’s located in Lutsk, the heart of Volhynia and it’s open for tourists. The city of Lutsk is not as lordly as Lviv and not as pompous as our capital. It does not pretend to be crème and velvet as Chernivtsi does. It is more provincial, a calm place where people are never in a hurry. You will not meet many tourists here but Lutsk is a great place to experience real Ukrainian life and deliberate mentality of Volhynia residents. We are proud of our lands and we have reasons.




So, Lubart’s castle is among 10 of the best preserved fortresses of Ukraine and it is surprising that it was not widely known during the Soviet times. The castle did not exist for Soviet historians. Being one of the most famous landmarks of the city and Volyn oblast, it is well known by all Ukrainians as it appears on two hundred hryvnia bill.


And a bit of history. First brick walls were put in the XIIIth century during the Prince Lubart’s rule but the place had been settled since the Xth century AD. Lithuanian Duke Vytautas the Great overtook the power in 1392 and invited the rulers of 15 European states to visit Lutsk in January 1429. Roman Emperor Sigismund, Polish king Władysław II Jagiełło, Danish King Eric IV, Grand Masters of the Teutonic and Livonian orders, the Grand Prince of Moscow Vasilii II, Pope Martin V’s legate, Byzantine Emperor Ambassador and other mighty leaders took part in the summit held in Lutsk High Castle. The coalition against the growing power of the Ottoman Empire, Catholic and Orthodox churches rights and other issues were discussed.
The coronation of Vytautas was another important event everybody was waiting for. A diamond-covered crown was to be brought to Lutsk but it disappeared somewhere on the way. The legend says it was cut in pieces and scattered throughout Europe. Whatever the reason, Vytautas never became a king.
I can imagine the costs involved in organizing the summit...… More than 15,000 guests came while the population of Lutsk itself was about 5,000 residents only. But for this outstanding fact, the castle walls have seen many other events, some of them being really tragic and appalling.

Reading about history cannot be compared with feeling history. You will definitely feel it having touched the stones of the ancient walls and enjoying the city views from the place where the archers used to shoot at the tartars many hundreds years ago. Combined with a relaxing tour around Lutsk, visiting Lubart's Castle will be a very pleasant experience, especially if you are lucky to visit one of the fests taking place in the castle form time to time.
And do not miss the opportunity to dine at Vytautas' Crown Restaurant located nearby....



Andriy