40 to 44 kilometers southeast of Lviv sits the village of Svirzh, a beautiful picturesque town in the Lviv Oblast Region of Ukraine. Rising above the edge of the village is Svirzh Castle, which has endured battles, fires, and time.
The Swirski noble family built the castle in the 15th century, with the earliest fortifications dating back to 1484. A date of 1530 is carved at the entrance gate, marking the completion of the castle’s defensive plans. Count Alexander Cetner altered the castle’s appearance from being a fortress to a magnificent Renaissance home. General Pawel Grodzicki, a famous architect at the time, oversaw improved fortifications added to the home.
Today, the castle is no longer a residence, but a tourist spot and used for filming. In the summer, visitors use the location for picnics and exploring. We visited during the winter and its beauty was breathtaking. We walked around the perimeter of the castle, taking photos and enjoying the sights.
I look forward to the day I return during warmer months and witness the change of scenery. I also look forward to inspecting the inside of the castle. I hear there’s a ghost of a girl who drowned that walks the interior. Everyone that has followed my writings over the years knows I enjoy a ghost story.
Svirzh Castle is not a polished museum, but a building with mystery and a window to Ukraine’s enduring past. It is a photographer’s dream and a place where history lovers can step back in time.
Hours are MON. – FRI.: 10:00 – 18:00. You don’t need a ticket to tour the outside of the castle, but need one to go inside.
Read these other stories from my trip to Ukraine:
Where is God During War: A conversation with a Ukrainian Priest
15 Reasons to Visit Western Ukraine Now
Defeating Darkness with Art: Touring Park 3020
Getting Naked in Ukraine
Rebuilding Ukraine by Rebuilding Children’s Lives: My interview with the staff of SOS
Emily Resort and Spa in Lviv, Ukraine is a Luxury Paradise with Family-Friendly Activities
Visiting Ukraine During the War
Representing America in the Back of a Taxi in Ukraine
Promoting Tourism in Ukraine During the War
Visiting Ukraine During the War
Snowboarding in Ukraine
Tips for Americans Visiting Ukraine
Visiting Truskavets’ Healing Springs and Spas
Horseback Riding in the Carpathian Mountains
The Show Must Go On: The Lviv Opera House is Open Despite the War
Visiting KamianetsPodilskyi: Remembering the Past and Building to a Better Future
Visiting the Tustan Fortress
Our assistance in Lviv was organized by the Lviv government to show that Ukraine is open for tourism. We felt completely safe throughout our time in the Lviv Oblast region. We had many sumptuous meals and were entertained throughout our time. (Follow Lviv’s tourism Instagramand Facebook accounts for more information)
Enjoyed the photos. Glad you and Joshua spent time in Ukraine. We pray for peace.
It is a place that stays with you.