About This Site

Zbarazh Castle is a 17th-century fortified stronghold in the town of Zbarazh, famous for its heroic defense during the 1649 Cossack siege and serving as the center of the State Historical-Architectural Reserve 'Castles of Ternopil Oblast'.

Zbarazh Castle, located on the Castle Hills in the center of Zbarazh, Ternopil Oblast, is an outstanding monument of Renaissance and early Baroque defensive architecture. The fortress occupies a dominant position over the town and impresses with its power and majesty. The castle was built in 1626-1631 according to the design of Dutch architect Henryk van Peene for the last representatives of the princely Zbaraski family — Krzysztof and Jerzy. The complex represents a rectangular fortress with four bastions at the corners, surrounded by a deep moat and powerful ramparts. Inside is a two-story Renaissance palace with elements of early Baroque. Zbarazh Castle entered history through its heroic defense during the Liberation War led by Bohdan Khmelnytsky. In July-August 1649, Cossack forces led by Bohdan Khmelnytsky besieged the castle, where Polish garrison under Prince Jeremi Wiśniowiecki had fortified. This siege became one of the most dramatic episodes of the war and was described by Henryk Sienkiewicz in his novel 'With Fire and Sword'. Today, Zbarazh Castle is one of the best-preserved Renaissance castles in Ukraine with a powerful museum complex containing over 50,000 exhibits.

Historical Significance

The first fortifications at the site of modern Zbarazh appeared in 1211, when Lithuanian princes Zbaraski built a wooden fortress in the vicinity of modern Staryi Zbarazh village. After two devastating Tatar raids in 1474 and 1589, when wooden castles were burned, Prince Janusz Zbaraski decided to build a stone fortress in a new location. Construction of the modern castle began in 1626 at the initiative of the last representatives of the Zbaraski family — Krzysztof and his brother Jerzy. Initially, the project of famous Venetian architect Vincenzo Scamozzi was considered, but it was rejected as too refined for a defensive structure. Instead, the project of Dutch architect Henryk van Peene was chosen, who had experience building the Zbaraski palace in Kraków. Van Peene created fortifications according to the 'palazzo in fortezza' (palace in fortress) principle, combining a comfortable residence with powerful defensive structures. Construction lasted until 1631.

Highlights

• ✓Best preserved Renaissance castle in Ukraine
• ✓Four bastions and powerful earthen ramparts
• ✓Museum complex with 50,000+ exhibits
• ✓8 museum exhibitions including torture chamber
• ✓Archaeological collection of Trypillian culture
• ✓Wooden sculpture by students of Johann Pinsel
• ✓17th-century Chapel of Prophet Elijah
• ✓Site of heroic siege of 1649

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