Medzhybizh, town in the Khmelnytskyi Oblast
Medzhybizh is a small town beside the Southern Bug River, known for its old fortress sitting on a hill with thick stone walls and round towers that developed over many centuries. The site contains several museums with historical objects, collections, and an exhibition about the Ukrainian famine of the 1930s.
The fortress was built over 800 years ago and experienced attacks in the 17th century by Turkish armies and later during World War II by German troops. In the 19th century, the castle gained its distinctive white walls and romantic pseudo-Gothic towers after the Russian emperor's wife ordered its renovation.
The grave of Israel Baal Shem Tov near the fortress draws Jewish visitors each year, especially during the Shavuot festival, when people gather to pray and honor his teachings. This site connects the town to a living religious and cultural tradition that remains central to visitors' experience.
The best way to explore is to walk up to the fortress on the hill to see the old walls and towers, then visit the museums to learn the history. Wear comfortable shoes because the ground is uneven and there are several flights of stairs.
During the Russian invasion in 2022, the fortress served as shelter for many people fleeing violence, showing how the ancient walls continue their protective role in modern times. The site officially became a station on the European Cultural Route that year, marking its place in broader European heritage efforts.
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