Kamianets-Podilskyi castle fortress

The ancient city of Kamyanets-Podilsky is famous for its special atmosphere where you can feel the true spirit of the middle ages. The city is called "flower on stone". The harmonious combination of nature and impregnable impresses many tourists from all over the world. 

On a rocky Peninsula of the Old town Kamenetz-Podolsk. This area is a historical and architectural reserve "Kamyanets". You will be impressed with its fantastic architecture. Here you will see the wooden Holy cross Orthodox Church, the monasteries of the Dominican and Franciscan orders, the Armenian and Turkish tower of the 17th century, St Nicolas Church from the 14th century, as well as the Muslim Turkish minaret of the 17th century.

A severe fortress gives the sanctuary a unique charm, it is already hundreds of years old towering on a rocky promontory between the two banks of the river Smotrych. According to some historical data, the castle already existed in the 10-13 centuries. At first it was an old Russian defence building made of wood. In the 15th century Kamenetz-Podolsk was occupied by the Polish gentry and became an important defence post of the Commonwealth. The wooden fortress was rebuilt in stone.

The power of the fortifications of Kamianets-Podilskyi impressed travelers. Its defence capacity and good location attracted Turkish invaders, Lithuanian princes and Polish nobles. At all times the castle was an impregnable stronghold. It is said that in 1621, when Khan Osman with his army approached the city, he was very impressed with the sturdy walls and towers of the fortress. He asked his subjects, who built this miracle. They replied, "Allah". Then Osman exclaimed: "Let Allah take it!" and ordered to retreat. Throughout its history the city-fortress was captured twice. In 1393 the fortress was captured by Lithuanian Prince Vitovt and in 1672, thanks to the huge advantage of troops, the city was destroyed by the Turks.

The spirit of storm of 1672, the year can today be felt in this stronghold. To get to this attraction, you must pass through the Castle bridge, which stretches along a narrow isthmus. This bridge is a unique monument of architecture of national value. I assume it was built by the Roman Emperor Trajan during his campaign in Dacia. Definitely getting on Day tower, where you can enjoy a splendid view of the city and the fortress. Twelve powerful towers create the castle complex. Each tower has its own history and an interesting name. In the dungeons of the fortress there are expositions that display the atmosphere of those times. Be sure to visit the dungeon of the curfew tower. Here you will see the warriors squad Volovetskogo. The papal tower is so called because it was built on the money of Pope Julius II. In 1812 Russia has equipped her in prison, where he was serving his sentence, the people's favorite – Ustim Karmelyuk. He enjoyed great popularity among women. And my salvation he is obliged to them. They say that women gave him the handkerchiefs, when they came to see him. With these handkerchiefs he tied a rope, which got out of the dungeon and escaped. Black tower no less interesting for tourists. It is well hollowed in the wall. Here you will see a huge wooden wheel, which survived until our days. It was used to raise water from the well's depth for the entire city.

In the Western Bastion you can see a panorama of the castle during the attack of the Turks in 1672, the year. And in the East – you will find a display of graphics on the tail. Anyone can shoot a crossbow or bow and feel like a medieval warrior.