Khotyn Fortress
The majestic Khotyn Fortress is for Ukrainians what Tsarevets is for Bulgaria. In other words, imposing figure of this medieval structure is a symbol of the historical power of the country and the importance of the castle Khotyn reaches far beyond Ukraine. It is located in the rich western region of the attractions of the country near the historic town of the same name in the Chernovitsk area.
Medieval Khotyn Fortress and its high walls stand grand and inaccessible on the right bank of the Dniester River, 69 km northeast of Chernivtsi in the north of the historic district Bessarabia. 20 km from the Khotyn Fortress is Kamenetz-Podolski, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Town of Khotyn Fortress is considered one of the Seven Wonders of Ukraine, as well as the most stable structure of all similar in Eastern Europe. Simultaneously, Khotyn is a movie star, because its medieval walls are used for the natural scenery of a number of film productions. Among them are Taras Bulba, "Ballad for brave knight Ivanhoe", "The Three Musketeers", "Black Arrow", "Old Fortress", "arrows of Robin Hood" and many others.
Archetype of Khotyn Fortress appears on this land of wood in the 12th century. As of 15 century this stone fortress was erected. The fortress above the River Dniester was built during the times of Vladimir the Great, to defend the western borders. By building its related some interesting stories.
One of them says that the place where the Fortresswas built, were killed by insurgents Khotyn . According to another story Khotyn stands where a girl named Oksana wept and Turks have killed her in here.
In 1718, French military engineers built a new castle Khotyn consisting of a pit shaft, seven bastions and three gates. The castle has five major objectives and round towers. Khotyn is rectangular occupying a total area of 1, 219 to 244 meters, and casings of the fortress walls reach a height of 40 meters and a thickness of 6 meters.
Khotyn Fortress will remain forever in history with its last battle, when the Turks were defeated here, which is the beginning of the end of the Ottoman Empire. This battle of 1621 to decided the fate of Europe.
Today the Khotyn Fortress is one of the major tourist attractions in Ukraine. In 2007 she was named one of the Seven Wonders of Ukraine and the region has the status of the National Architectural Reserve to 2000. Khotyn is available for tourist visits daily for a small entrance fee.
Every year the castle hosts many festivals and cultural events. At that time, guests of Khotyn have the opportunity to dress in medieval costumes, to eat tasty meals and to have fun with the sounds of medieval music.
