About This Site

Lutsk Castle, also known as Lubart's Castle, is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Ukraine. Built in the 14th century, the castle won the All-Ukrainian competition 'Seven Wonders of Ukraine' in the 'castles' category.

Lutsk Castle is an outstanding monument of defensive architecture from the 14th century, located in the center of Lutsk city. The castle consists of three high rectangular towers: the Entrance Tower (depicted on the 200 hryvnia banknote), the Styrivska Tower, and the Vladycha Tower. Construction of the castle began in 1340-1384 on the orders of Grand Duke Lubart Gediminas of Lithuania, who replaced wooden fortifications with brick ones. After Lubart's death, renovation of the castle was continued by Vytautas the Great. The castle has three high rectangular towers reaching 28 meters in height. Several museums operate on the castle grounds: the Museum of Bells, the Book Museum, and the Art Museum. In the dungeons, the foundations of the ancient church of John the Theologian (late 12th century) - an Orthodox shrine of Lutsk - have been preserved. The castle is a living cultural center: festivals, concerts, exhibitions and knight tournaments are regularly held here. The Entrance Tower, 28 meters high, offers an unforgettable panoramic view of the city.

Historical Significance

The history of the castle begins in 1340-1384, when Grand Duke Lubart Gediminas of Lithuania began large-scale reconstruction of wooden fortifications, replacing them with brick ones. Prince Lubart ruled Lutsk and Volyn from 1340 to 1383. After Lubart's death, construction of the castle was continued by his nephew Vytautas the Great (1392-1430). It was during Vytautas' time that the castle acquired its modern appearance with three powerful towers and defensive walls. In the 15th-17th centuries, the castle was the residence of Lithuanian governors and the venue for important congresses. In 1429, the famous Congress of Lutsk of European monarchs was held in the castle, attended by King of Poland Władysław II Jagiełło, Grand Duke of Lithuania Vytautas, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire Sigismund, King of Denmark Eric of Pomerania and many other rulers. In the 16th century, the castle suffered several sieges during wars with Moscow and Crimean troops. In the 17th century, Orthodox Metropolitan Job Boretsky was imprisoned here. In the 18th-19th centuries, the castle lost its military significance and began to decline. In the 1970s, large-scale restoration work began, continuing until the 2000s. Today, Lutsk Castle is one of the most popular tourist sites in Ukraine.

Highlights

• ✓Three powerful 14th-century towers
• ✓Entrance Tower depicted on 200 UAH banknote
• ✓Museum of Bells with unique collection
• ✓Book Museum with early printed books
• ✓Foundations of 12th-century church
• ✓Panoramic view of the city from the tower
• ✓Winner of 'Seven Wonders of Ukraine' competition
• ✓Regular medieval festivals

Photo Gallery