People have always been attracted to cities shrouded in legends that awaken the desire for travel and discovery. Kamianets-Podilskyi is just such a city, starting its history in the distant 12th century, from the times of Kievan Rus.

Especially—ancient castles, stone walls and impregnable fortresses. After all, even an experienced traveler will be interested in such places.

Stroll along the musical streets, enjoy the views of the rocky canyon and visit the ancient fortification complex. Here you want to write poems, fall asleep in the passionate embrace of the night, and in the morning rush to meet adventures with a smile.

So… Take a compass, a map and a good mood with you. A mysterious and ancient city awaits you—Kamianets-Podilskyi.

Built by the hand of God, between solid and jagged rocks, the city has become a kind of symbol of the revival of Ukrainian history and traditions.

170 unique monuments put it on a par with the most famous cultural centers of Europe. Its landscape and unique architecture make Kamianets-Podilskyi entirely different from other settlements. The city is located on a stone peninsula, washed by the waters of the Smotrych River—a real natural citadel.

Seeing Kamianets-Podilskyi, the famous Ukrainian poetess Lesya Ukrainka exclaimed with delight: “This is a real flower on a stone.” The renowned writer’s expression became the unofficial name of the city.

Hope, Salvation and the Sun: The Legend of the City’s Founding

Kamianets-Podilskyi is an extremely ancient city, so ancient that no historian can say exactly when it was founded — some give 1000 years, others more.

There are two stories of the city’s origin — one historical, the other fabulous.

According to the historical version, the city is mentioned in the notes of a Greek astrologer, who calls it Petridava, that is, the city of stone. The similarity of the castle bridge to the one depicted on the Trojan Column in Rome and the found Roman coins gave rise to the hypothesis that the city was founded by the Romans. Who would have thought of the historical connection of Rome with our Ukraine?

A fabulous legend connects the founding of the city with a golden deer.

Once, two Lithuanian princes went hunting. The older brother stopped by the river to rest. And at that moment, a beautiful deer with golden horns and silver hooves came out of the forest. They wanted to take such prey, but no matter how many arrows they fired, not a single one touched the magical animal. Then they ran after the deer and ended up on a stone cliff with the ruins of an old city. The brothers liked the place and decided to build a fortress city here, which would become famous for centuries. And so it happened.

The river near the fortress was named Smotrych from the word “smóret” because it was so transparent that even from a height you could see the bottom.

Where does the name come from — the city of the sun?

Kamianets-Podilsky Fortress

When you approach the city, you can already see the stone walls and towers of a mighty fortress from afar—one of the most beautiful in Ukraine. Everything is remarkable here: from the natural location to the unique architecture.

One can only wonder how medieval architects were able to build such a powerful and practical structure. It not only demonstrates the greatness of its owners, but also remains an unchanging sentinel guarding the city. Throughout its existence, the fortress has not been afraid of its enemies and has remained the same as it was many years ago.

They say that once the most powerful sultan in the world approached the walls and asked: “Who built this miracle?” “Allah”—they answered him. “So let Allah capture it”—the sultan said and returned home. The fortress was captured only once.

Time to visit

The Kamianets-Podilskyi fortress consists of two parts: the New Castle and the Old Fortress.

You can get to the Old City through the Castle Bridge, which is striking in its design. Here the feeling of fear is replaced by the happiness of flight, and the incredible landscape will forever take a part of your heart.

This is a unique monolithic structure that hides a large arched bridge in the middle. A kind of bridge under a bridge. Looking at the narrow, long bridge and the canyon in which the fortress is located, it becomes clear that it was practically impossible to capture it.

We enter the fortress through the Ru’s Gate, which was once equipped with devices for raising water in the Smotrych River. When you enter the territory of the fortress, you immediately become a part of great history or a medieval knight from Ivanhoe. There are 11 towers around the perimeter of the fortress, each of which has its own interesting name and history.

The monumentality of the Kamianets-Podilskyi Fortress impresses and surprises, regardless of where you look at it, it is always close to you, like in the palm of your hand.

The flower on the stone captivates not only with its appearance, but also with fascinating entertainment. Ready to find out? Let’s go.

Let’s go for the aroma of freshly baked bread

There is a bakery on the territory of the building, where bread is made according to a medieval recipe in a large oven. You can not only taste the fragrant crispy pastries, but also watch the cooking process itself. The baker hospitably and with a smile welcomes guests, answers questions and takes pictures.

Having tasted the pastries, we move on.

Let’s touch the beautiful

An authentic pottery workshop has been preserved behind the thick fortress walls. Here, a modern master makes beautiful products using old technologies. Anyone who wants to can come and see how clay dishes were created. In addition, you can buy something as a souvenir and try to make a jug with your hands.

Night dungeons, Kamianets-Podilsky

The dungeons of the Kamianets-Podilskyi fortress are different from the cold and dark rooms we are used to.

By prior arrangement, you can become a participant in a night theatrical tour. Mechanical mannequins, under the light of musical accompaniment with dances and songs, demonstrate scenes from the heroic past of the fortress.

You will also have the opportunity to ride horses, shoot crossbows and bows, visit an artillery exhibition with original stone balls from the fortress and mint your own commemorative coin.

Stone table

Behind the walls of the fortress is another interesting object, installed in 2001—the Table of Agreement, as if from the legends of the Knights of the Round Table.

The center of the stone is a large concrete circle on which the Crown of Padilla rises. Around it are laid out 7 stones, symbolizing the peoples who participated in creating the history and architectural image of the city. Next to the composition lies the 8th stone, symbolizing the future changes of the city.

If all roads lead to Rome, then in Kamianets-Podilskyi—to the fortress. It makes this city unique, attracts tourists and gives pomp to everything that surrounds it. It is not just a static building, but a real museum of living history.

Next to the fortress there is another intriguing object—the Museum of Castles in Miniature.

Here you can see small copies of 16 of the most beautiful castles of Ukraine and compare the miniatures with the original, which is located right next to it. All the castles are presented in their heyday. The works are truly impressive in their authenticity, as if some wizard turned real castles into small models.

On the territory of the museum, there is a very intriguing landscape design — a lake, which complements the complete composition of the museum.

The territory offers a magnificent view of the fortress, especially beautiful in the evening, when the castle is illuminated inside and outside with colored LEDs.

If all roads lead to Rome, then in Kamianets-Podilskyi — to the fortress. It makes this city unique, lures tourists and gives pomp to everything that surrounds it. This is not just a static building, but a real museum of living history.

What else is interesting and unusual that the city hides from us? Let’s move on.

Hear the music of the wind and learn to fly

Kamenets-Podilskyi is different from the usual historical city. Here the spirit of antiquity is intertwined with modern entertainment.

For lovers of extreme sports, there is one incredible place—the Trolley Crossing. It consists of several cables that stretch from one bank to the other, and are located near the Castle Bridge.

Anyone who wants to ride here from the age of 18 can ride here, having previously undergone a briefing. The equipment is updated every season, the insurance is reliable.

The feeling of freedom and flight gives unbelievable impressions. There is a desire to stop time and try to comprehend the beauty of the Smotrytsky Canyon.

Every so often, it appears that all of us were birds in a past life.

Another extreme type of recreation is rope jumping from the Strimka Lan bridge. You are dressed in mountaineering armor, a fairy tale, and told what and how to do. It is located at the entrance to the city, on the highest bridge in Ukraine, at an altitude of 54 m.

It’s very cool. A feeling of intoxicating joy, excitement, and relaxation. And, of course, a little scary. But you should definitely try it at least once in your life.

Hungry? Time to eat

If you want to feel the atmosphere of the Old Town and have a delicious meal, we recommend visiting a cozy restaurant, near which you will be met by the figure of the Merry Chimney Sweep.

This is a thematic café with its legend. To get your piece of luck, you need to touch the Chimney Sweep button, and different buttons are responsible for different luck.

The old interior has successfully combined stone and wood, as well as many other thematic things that create a beautiful atmosphere.

Swan Lake Square

If you are tired of museums, extreme entertainment and stone walls, visit the Swan Lake Square. It enchants with its emerald trees, aquamarine lake with swans and romantic gazebos. This area offers an indescribable panorama of the Old Town. This is a good place to gather your thoughts, forget about your problems and relax with a cup of herbal tea. Near the Swan Lake there is the Rope Park, where you can have fun with your family and friends.

Old Kamenitsa

For those who are interested in history and want to see ancient things, it is worth visiting the Museum of Antiquities, where a private collection is exhibited. The most interesting antiquities are exhibited here. The exhibition is special in that it covers a wide time. You will see weapons, paintings, jewelry, coins, crosses, as well as a rare collection of ancient idols. It is represented by sculptures of deities, gracefully carved from stone: Perun, Veles, Stribog and others. In the courtyard, a reconstruction of an ancient sanctuary is demonstrated.

You can also visit the oldest Town Hall in Ukraine, visit churches, cathedrals, and churches. The city will satisfy everyone’s desires: from an excursion to the Old Fortress to exciting rope jumping, from a “toy” wooden church to a romantic walk in the park.

If I could fly, let me sing

Kamenets is a city that amazes with its numerous festivals and cultural events, there are always high-quality creative events here. Do you hear? Somewhere in the alley, a Ukrainian song is heard.

The city is famous not only for its castle, but also for talented, sincere people who organize open-air concerts. You can look for a souvenir shop, and instead come across a live performance with singing and dancing.

The city is renowned for its military-historical and cultural festivals, including music festivals, a film festival, a balloon festival.

The Brukivka film festival and Retro Fest deserve special attention.

Retro Fest

The festival presents cars of different models and years of manufacture. Every year, many people who want to watch this event gather because there is an opportunity to see rare copies of different colors. In addition, the owners of these cars present the times when the car was created.

The festival program includes: a rally, “Rally from Fortress to Fortress”, competitions, atmospheric live music, dance master classes and others.

At the end of the festival, there will be a star concert. Even people who are not interested in cars cannot stay away from such fun.

The Brukivka Film Festival is modern Ukrainian cinema.

Over the past 50 years, more than 60 films and TV series have been shot in the city, such as: “The Ballad of the Valiant Knight Ivanhoe”, “Taras Bulba”, “Black Castle Olshansky” and others.

The festival program includes: open-air screenings of Ukrainian films, a 3D light show on the towers of the Old Fortress, a show of “Transformers” robots for children, competitions and many more exciting events.

There are many festivals in the city throughout the year, so follow the announcements on our website so as not to miss the one you like.

Kamianets-Podilskyi is a wonderful city with its history and traditions, which attracts open-minded people. On every street, you can feel like a pioneer. Every wall, nook and ancient wall is interesting here. You will see a corner of wise Lviv, the sophistication of Prague and the virtuosity of Verona. However, each one will meet something different, special.

Interesting facts about Kamianets-Podilskyi:

• The city ranks 3rd in terms of the number of architectural monuments in Ukraine.
• Kamianets-Podilskyi is one of the cities in Ukraine that has lost the status of a regional center. And at the same time, it is the largest city in Ukraine that is not a regional center.
• The largest bridge in Europe that does not have vertical supports is called “The Running Doe”.
  In 2018, the Kamianets-Podilskyi Fortress was visited by over 93 thousand people from over 11 different countries.
• From March 22, 1919, to November 1920, it was the capital of the Ukrainian People’s Republic.

How to get there: by train Kyiv—Kamianets-Podilskyi, to the station of the same name, or take a bus from Khmelnytskyi or Chernivtsi.