Ukraine: Akkerman Fortress
Akkerman Fortress aka Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi Fortress is the largest such fortification in Ukraine and also one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Europe. It dates back to the 4th century and the Greek settlement of Tyras that was here on the banks of Dniester River. By 10th century it became part of the Kievan Rus. Then came the Mongol hordes who actually made a deal with the Genovese to construct and administer a fortress here and control the Dniester navigation. The rulers of the fortress kept changing to Moldovans to Ottomans to Russians, but the massive structure withstood it all. The fortress is truly spectacular and massive – the total area of the fortress is 9 hectares and the length of the walls is around 2.5 km. The inner keep area is well-preserved. An absolute must-see in Ukraine and you haven’t seen Ukraine until you explored the Akkerman Fortress.
