| Zolochiv Castle | |
|---|---|
| Zolochiv, Lviv Oblast,Ukraine | |
 Chinese Palace (on the left) and Grand Palace (on the right). | |
| Site information | |
| Type | Castle |
| Condition | Survives in good condition. |
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| Site history | |
| Built | 15th century |
Zolochiv Castle was a residence of theSobieskinoble family on a hill at the confluence of two small rivers in the south-eastern part ofZolochiv (Polish:Złoczów),Galicia (now part ofUkraine'sLviv Oblast).
The rectangular fort was built in 1634–36 byJakub Sobieski using the labor of enslavedCrimean Tatars. The Sobieski castle comprised solid walls in a then-currentDutch style, with four pentagonal towers at each corner, and the so-called "grand palace". TheChinese Palace, a diminutivemauve-coloredrotunda flanked by one-storey wings, was added later in the century asJohn III's gift to hisFrench-born wife,Queen Marie.
In 1672, the castle was taken after a 6-days siege by theTurks underKapudan Pasa. Three years later, it survived a new siege by the Ottoman army. AfterJakub Ludwik Sobieski's death in 1737, the castle passed to theRadziwiłł princely family and then (in 1801) to Count Łukasz Komarnicki-Pawlikowicz (of theHouse of Sas), whose heirs sold it to theAustrian crown in 1834.
In the 19th century, the castle was adapted for use as a hospital and barracks. It was turned into a prison in 1872 and continued in use after theSeptember Campaign. There's a chapel commemorating the victims of theNKVD on the grounds of the castle.
Thousands of people belonging to the Jewish faith were taken from Zolochiv and were killed by the Germans at the outbreak of Operation Barbarossa.
Since 1985, the complex has been supervised by theLviv Art Gallery and under restoration. Recently it began to open its grounds for visitors. Exhibits include more than 25 European coats of arms,dinosaur bone chandeliers, and a replica of a typicalroyal crown from the 13th century, that could be similar to that ofDaniel of Galicia.
 Black Ruthenia |
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 Volhynia |
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 Red Ruthenia |
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 Podolia |
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| Wild Fields |
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49°48′08″N24°54′22″E / 49.80222°N 24.90611°E /49.80222; 24.90611
