Visiting the Tustan Fortress in Ukraine

Within the emerald green Carpathian Mountains lies the ruins of the Tustan Fortress near the quiet village of Urych in the Lviv Oblast Region of Ukraine. A once mighty fortress built on the jagged sandstone cliffs rose above the trees looking out over the surrounding area. Now, one can use their imagination and the models in the museum to understand the magnificent structure that once stood. Outlines within the stones show over 4,000 carvings, where wooden beams were placed to hold up the high walls.

The earliest  signs of activity at the site date back to the 9th century, when White Croats- a Slavic tribe roamed the Carpathian region. The wooden fortress was built between the 9th and 13th centuries. The natural rock formations provided a hard foundation on which to build the fortress.

Tustan was part of the Principality of Galicia-Volhynia and was part of a defensive system that guarded a major trade route across the Carpathian Mountains. The fortress’ ideal location made it a customs checkpoint, which regulated the flow of goods. It was more than an outpost, though, it also served a military service to protect the local population from invasion.

By the 14th century, stone fortresses replaced wooden ones and Tustan lost its strategic importance. Over time, the fortress was abandoned and the wooden structure deteriorated. Now, only the rock formations are visible.

While visiting, it was easy to imagine the great warriors that passed through, as well as those trading and selling goods. The Tustan Fortress is now a protected historical site, preserving the historical significance of the past. Tustan isn’t just a fortress, it’s a testament to Ukrainian Legacy and resolve carved in stone, sharing what happened there for generations to come.

After your hiking around the rock formations and the woods, give yourself plenty of time to check out the museum. There are great interactive activities for the kids and for grown ups as well.

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  Instagram and Facebook accounts for more information)