Zhovkva Castle

Zhovkva, Ukraine

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Zhovkva Castle in Zhovkva, Ukraine, is a Renaissance fortress built in 1594 by Polish military leader Stanisław Żółkiewski as the core of an ideal planned town, featuring a quadrangular layout with four pentagonal corner towers, moats up to 17 meters wide, ramparts, and bastions inspired by contemporary European fortifications.

Expanded in the early 17th century and later serving as a royal residence for King Jan III Sobieski, who enriched its interiors with trophies, library, and art after his 1683 Vienna victory, it anchored the town's defenses during Cossack uprisings and Swedish invasions before partial destruction in World War I.

Now a museum within Ukraine's historic reserves, the restored structure showcases period artifacts, architecture blending defensive might with elegance, and panoramic views over the preserved Renaissance urban core.