Castle Hill Zhytomyr

Castle Hill in Zhytomyr - this is the place where you can feel the history of the city, and if you`re lucky, you also come across many underground tunnels that cut through the mountain at different depths.

History of Castle Hill

The first written mention of the castle in Zhytomyr dates back to 1392 year, when he took Duke Vytautas. Castle was located on a steep hill above the river Kamenka. According to legend, the founder of the city was a soldier from Zhytomyr wife Kievan princes Askold and Dir. The city suffered heavily from attacks and robberies, so it was decided to build fortifications. Place in the construction of the castle was chosen to provide maximum protection - steep slopes, river, were built walls and dug ditches in front of them, among which was water, and two gates were built with overhead bridges. At the time of the attack of the Tatar-Mongol castle became the center of defense, as could place inside to 5000 people and was well equipped with weapons.

Repeatedly destroyed the castle, but each time it rebuilt. Around the castle began to grow the city, were laid underground passages, some of them lined with bricks and stones. Underground passages played a very important role in the defense of the castle. In the years 1648-1654 during the war fortress has suffered considerable damage and lost its military purpose. In 1802, the remains of the castle burned in a terrible fire last building lasted until 1852. And in 1890 the city council decided to give the area under private construction, from the time of lock reminding only subtle shafts, tunnels, located at a depth of 5.8 meters and a monument in honor of the founding of the city.

What to see at Castle Hill

In areas where once was an impregnable fortress is a small city park located in the center of which is set stone monument to the city`s founding. Comfortable and quiet park in the heart of the regional center attracting townspeople and visitors.

Interesting fact

Exploring the tunnels, it appears that one of them went to Kamenka River and provide water castle in the fortress because there were no wells.

How to get there

The park is 300 meters from the Cathedral Square in Zhytomyr.

If you go by public transport, you will approach the bus 2, 4, 25, 30, 53 to stop "Square Cathedral" or bus 2, 3, 11, 14, 19, 25, 30, 40, 58 or bus 102 to stop " "Ukraine" hotel ". From there, through Cathedral Square Cathedral Street or street. Rila Park.