Ukraine: Kamianets-Podilskyi – Kamianets Castle

Without a doubt, the main attraction in Kamianets-Podilskyi is its spectacular fortress (it’s actually the next candidate for the UNESCO World Heritage site for Ukraine), and it’s also considered to the one of the seven wonders of Ukraine. The fortress was built in the 14th century on a peninsula formed by a horseshoe bend on the Smothych River. On some level, it looks like Mont Saint Michel in France sitting on an island. The castle and fortress was built by various kings during the Lithuanian and Polish kingdoms and fortified many times to withstand foreign attacks against the Ottoman Empire and Tatars (it withstood five sieges). When the castle came under the Russian rule, it was turned into a prison. The castle has two parts – Old Castle and New Castle – and together comprise 12 towers and massive 50ft walls. Today, the castle looks spectacular and is fully restored and you can explore and view it from different vantage points and at different times of the day.