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three strange stones have been found in Novosilky village (Zolochiv rayon) and transported to the castle. the village used to be the home of a 16 century castle, build by some Hungarian noblemen, descendants of the Knights of Temple Order. One of the stones has inscriptions of the unknown language, which is believed to be of the Templar origin. In preparation to the Pope John II visit to Lviv, a member of the Pope’s team, which visited the castle, identified this as possibly an old Polish, used till the middle of 14 cent.
Still, the castle guides carry a hope that this inscription in of a Templar origin, and once deciphered, would reveal the place where the Order hidden its treasures :)
Updated Aug 8, 2007
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the Chinese House (Palace), homage to the 17th century fashion, is a hallmark of the castle complex. The exact construction date and the architect of the Chinese Palace are unknown. The over door relief on the rotunda’s second story depict Janina, the Sobieskis’ family coat of arms, and the royal crown. It may therefore be assumed that the palace was built during the reign of Jan Sobieski, most likely on a whim of his wife who wanted Zolochiv to look like a “little Versailles.” There also used to be the Oriental Park laid out around the palace.
at the time when the castle was turned into a prison, the Chinese Palace was utilized for baths and a laundry.
Recently restored, the House hosts the Oriental Art exhibit compiled from ancient artifacts along with recent private donations. Entrance tickets: around 5UAH ($1); photography is not allowed.
Written Aug 8, 2007
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The first thing that one notices after entering the castle gate is a line of people waiting to get access to this stone, at the same time watching as others are trying to figure out the best way to do it ;) what do they do? They are trying to make their wish come true :)
Upon closer look, you will see two intersecting crowns carved on the stone, with a hole in the middle. flowery and thorn crowns symbolize life and death respectively. The legend says that any of your wishes will come true if you turn your right thumb around axis. Got a material wish? Turn toward the thorn crown. a romantic one? turn toward the flowery. (a guide said that the stone is extremely popular with local students who inundate the castle before exams :)
The rule of “thumb”: you can only make one wish during the visit. So think twice, but turn just once :)
P.S. wish didn’t come true? Don’t worry. Just come back to the castle and make it again ;)
Updated Aug 8, 2007
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The Zolochiv Castle, an outstanding monument of 17th century defense architecture. Fortunately, it has been preserved almost unchanged and is now Europe’s only structure of the type (the castle is built according to the neo-Dutch bastion system (a square stone-walled structure with bastions on its angles). Besides fortifications with stone walls and bastions, the castle’s ensemble includes the Grand Palace, a typical Italian design, and the Chinese House (Palace), homage to the 17th century fashion.
Little is known of the castle’s history. The first wooden castle with earth ramparts dates back to 16 century. Obviously, it was not good against Turkish and Tatars, who ran back and forth through the area. Since the end of the 16th century it had been the abode of four generations of the Sobieski Polish aristocratic dynasty. To strengthen the castle, first of Sobieski, Mark, rebuilt it according to the called neo-Dutch bastion system. The castle was later expanded and reinforced by his son Jacob and grandson John (Polish King John III Sobieski).
John III Sobieski, or rather his wife – Maria-Kazemira D’Arquin (aka Marysenka) turned a fortress to a fancy dwelling.
Over the past 150 years the castle has been used as prison by the Austrians, Poles, Soviet NKVD and German Gestapo. In memory of those perished, a little chapel was built by the castle entrance on people donations.
After restoration work is completed, the Grand Palace is expected to accommodate a 17th century interior museum and an art and daily craft museum of the second half of the 19th century.
Updated Aug 8, 2007
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The Zolochiv Castle, an outstanding monument of 17th century defense architecture. Fortunately, it has been preserved almost unchanged and is now Europe’s only...
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When I visited Lviv I had the excursion to so named Golden Horseshoe castles, three castles in the eastern part of Lviv region that are situated in the area semicircle. The form of the situation gave...
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Zolochiv - The Golden Horse-Shoe ends here
the Chinese House, a homage to the 17th century fashion, is the pride of the Zolochiv Castle complex. it is one of only three remaining Chinese Houses (sometimes also called Palaces) preserved in...
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