Medzhybizh Castle, Medzhibozh: description, history, coordinates and interesting facts

Not so far from the city of Khmelnytsky there is an ancient castle, which is remarkable for its extraordinary beauty. This is the second castle in Ukraine, which is incredibly popular. Medzhybizh castle was called "White swan". The name came from the fact that the defensive walls of the fortress were white.

For their strength, they were covered with lime mixed with brick dust. It is for this reason that all people who saw the fort from afar thought that it was bright white. But unfortunately, with the years the whiteness has gone, and the walls have become darker. It remains only a sonorous name.

Medzhybizh castle: history, location

The first records of this castle appeared at the beginning of the formation of Kievan Rus. Due to the fact that the city of Medzhibozh was territorially located very conveniently, local merchants could conduct active trade with Poland, Kiev and Lvov. In this castle, courageous conquerors very often rested. After long hikes, they were recruited here, resting and replenishing supplies of provisions and water.

To protect the region from the regular invasions of the Turks and constant attacks by the Tatars, it was decided to build a outpost made of wood. In the beginning of 1255 Medzhybizh castle, Medzhibozh-grad and other surrounding villages completely destroy the Tatars. Later on, over a hundred years they dominated these lands. Only with the onset of 1362 the Great Olger managed to return the lands and destroy the conquerors. He returned the legal lands to both Lutsk and Lithuanian princedoms.

New Fortress

In the middle of 1507 it was decided to restore the defensive buildings anew. But this time around the perimeter erected high and massive walls of stone. They acted as fencing and protection. Also, the walls were excellent positions for archers, who could look down on all approaching enemies. This allowed this fortress to become the most massive. It was almost impossible to attack and capture.

Voivods Sinyavsky

In the middle of 1540, the right to own the castle passed to influential tycoons and noble commanders Sinyavsky. This became possible thanks to their numerous services to the Polish empire. It Sinyavsky decide to build additional towers on all corners of the defensive wall. This is done with the goal of achieving maximum security and power before the advancing enemy.

So, the idea came to erect a big and beautiful Medzhibozh castle in the center of the defensive cover. The description of those times says that voivods do not forget about religious principles. Not far from the castle builders erect a chapel of impressive size. Everyone could pacify his sins before the Lord and ask him to bless before the responsible battle.

After two centuries, the city gets the right Magdeburg, which allows you to completely lead and develop trade. But in the middle of 1640 this castle with a defensive fortress becomes a direct refuge for Bogdan Khmelnitsky himself and his numerous detachment of brave Cossacks. Indeed, it was in those years that they took an unbearable part in the Polish-Ukrainian war.

Decline of the fortress

In 1730, the last lawful owner of the castle dies, who was of the Sinyavsky family. Thus, Czartoryski became full-fledged owners. But, unfortunately, the new owners do not care about safety at all. Therefore, the former defensive cover becomes a full-fledged castle, which is decorated with numerous decorations.

Medzhybizh Castle: how to get there by car

If you want to enjoy all the beauties of the local castle, you should immediately get into the car and drive along the highway Khmelnitsky-Vinnitsa. If you go from Khmelnitsky, then Medzhibozh you can see in thirty-two kilometers of the way. But you can get to the city and without personal transport.

By bus

At the bus station "Khmelnitskaya" you should find a bus that goes in that direction. However, be extremely careful, because not every route in this direction provides for a visit to the city itself. Some just pass by. But if you still landed on the road, you should turn left and walk about twenty minutes to the city.

It will be even more interesting, because you can enjoy all the beauties of the local nature and feel the fresh air. It should be noted that the Medzhybizh castle, whose history is interesting and fascinating, accepts visitors every day, except Monday. The reception hours start at nine in the morning and end by six in the evening. A huge number of visitors to the castle takes every day.

Excursions and Festivals

But now you have already reached the Medzhybizh castle. A tour of the ancient place reveals his past for every visitor. But there are also exciting festivals. They have been held since the beginning of the 16th century, when folk art and art developed rapidly in Medzhibozh. Tradition has been passed on for centuries and has been able to reach our days. Twice a year, fascinating festivals take place with the participation of knightly duels and lively trade.

Every August a festival is held in the fortress, which is dedicated to the independence of Ukraine. But in early January, just after Christmas, a festival called "Winter Tower" begins. Each of these festivals is bright and exciting in its own way. Tourists are always happy to visit these events, because positive emotions and vivid impressions will suffice for the rest of the year. During the festival there are:

• Exciting fights.
• Hunting.
• Bathing in a frozen river.
• Banquets and balls.

But it should be noted that every year, the entertainment program is changing. You can witness or independently take part in the legendary contest of professional archers and crossbowmen.

There will be scenes of storming fortresses and other fascinating events that will not let the visitors get bored. All events take place in special thematic suits. Therefore, the local atmosphere, which reigned several centuries ago, as if anew resurrected in front of the public. You can fully enjoy the local folklore and have a wonderful time.

Interesting Facts

It is worth noting that Medzhybizh castle is territorially favorably located. He, like the fortress, is on a small hill. From the northern part of the river flows. Previously, there were hunting grounds, but with the onset of modern civilization benefits, the city begins to expand, so there is practically not enough space.

In summer, the castle looks as beautiful as possible, because its defensive walls stand out from behind the trees. They seem to merge with natural riches into a single whole. In the river you can swim, fish and at the same time enjoy the beauty and grandeur of the castle.

From the first minutes, as soon as the walls of the castle are shown, emotions are bubbling inside. I want to immediately see everything around and imbue with the atmosphere of ancient years. In order to maximally consider all the surrounding beauty, it is best to climb one of the observation towers.

On the territory of the castle there are four, one for each corner. They are on a hill, so you can get a wonderful view of all three hundred and sixty degrees. The surroundings look beautiful in any season of the year. Impressions of the beauty of nature and the ancient castle will last for a year. And you will definitely want to once again plunge into the atmosphere of antiquity and courage.