Ukraine: Mukacheve – Palanok Castle
Tucked in the southwestern corner of Ukraine in the Transcarpathian Mountains, stands one of the oldest castles in the country and this corner of Eastern Europe – the Palanok Castle. The castle was built sometime back in the 11th century and then withstood multiple mongol horde raids in the 12-13th centuries. It was fortified and rebuilt in the 16th century to make almost impenetrable. The fortress stands on top of a very steep 250ft hill, rising high above the town of Mukacheve below and the surrounding countryside. Steep walls and drawbridge provide further isolation. The castle itself has three layers – lower, middle, and upper – all providing additional levels of defense. Probably a good place to self-isolate from coronavirus.
