About This Site

Olesko Castle is one of the oldest castles in Ukraine, located on a rocky hill in the village of Olesko, Lviv Oblast. Built in the 13th-14th centuries, the castle is a branch of the Lviv National Art Gallery and preserves a rich collection of Ukrainian art.

Olesko Castle impresses with its compact but majestic architecture on a high rocky hill among former swamps. It is one of the oldest castles on the territory of Ukraine that has survived to this day. The castle was built in the 13th-14th centuries and has witnessed many historical events. The most famous fact - here in 1629 was born the future Polish King Jan III Sobieski, who in 1683 liberated Vienna from the Turkish siege. Today, Olesko Castle is a branch of the Lviv National Art Gallery. It houses an outstanding collection of Ukrainian icon painting from the 16th-18th centuries, paintings, sculptures, historical furniture and tapestries. Particularly interesting are the expositions: collection of Ukrainian icons from the 16th-18th centuries - one of the best in Ukraine; art gallery with works by Ukrainian, Polish and Hungarian masters; exposition 'Embroidery and regional folk clothes'; collection of antique furniture; unique ancient stoves decorated with artistic tiles; historical water well. The castle is surrounded by a picturesque landscape park from the 18th century with ponds, alleys and sculptural compositions. According to historical information, the park was arranged by Queen Marysienka - the wife of King Jan III. On the territory of the castle there is a restaurant with traditional Ukrainian cuisine, which is highly appreciated by visitors.

Historical Significance

According to archaeological research, the first fortifications at the site of Olesko Castle were begun by the inhabitants of ancient Plisnesk, who moved here after the Mongol invasion in the 13th century. The stone castle began to be built in the 13th century and became one of the most important defensive points of the Galicia-Volhynia principality. Due to its geographical location, the castle was often called 'the key to Galicia and Volhynia'. From 1605, the castle and all adjacent lands passed into the ownership of Ukrainian magnate Ivan Danylovych. In 1636, the estate was inherited by Jakub Sobieski. It was in this castle in 1629 that his son was born - the future King of Poland Jan III Sobieski, who in 1683 saved Europe from Turkish conquest by defeating the Ottoman army near Vienna. In the 18th century, the castle fell into decay. In the 19th century, it was partially restored, but real restoration began only in Soviet times - in 1956-1975. In 1975, Olesko Castle became a branch of the Lviv Picture Gallery (now the Lviv National Art Gallery). A museum-reserve with expositions of Ukrainian art and history was created here. The castle suffered significant damage during the earthquake in 1838, but was restored. During the 20th century, the castle was repeatedly restored and today is one of the best-preserved castles of the Lviv region.

Highlights

• ✓One of the oldest castles in Ukraine (13th c.)
• ✓Birthplace of King Jan III Sobieski
• ✓Outstanding collection of Ukrainian icons 16th-18th c.
• ✓Art gallery of Lviv National Art Gallery
• ✓Unique ancient stoves with artistic tiles
• ✓Picturesque landscape park from the 18th century
• ✓Historical water well
• ✓Exhibition of embroidery and folk clothes
• ✓Restaurant with traditional Ukrainian cuisine

Photo Gallery