Khotyn, Medieval fortress city in Dnistrovskyi Raion, Ukraine.
Khotyn is a city perched on limestone cliffs above the Dniester River, dominated by a large fortress with thick stone walls and numerous defensive towers. The stronghold completely shapes the town's appearance and overlooks the entire settlement below.
The settlement began in 1001 as part of Kyivan Rus with wooden defensive structures. From the 1400s onward, Moldavian rulers transformed it into a stone fortress that underwent multiple renovations and expansions over the following centuries.
The fortress reflects layers of different rulers and their building styles accumulated over centuries. Walking through it, you notice how each period left its mark on the walls and structures.
Wear sturdy shoes as the limestone cliffs can be slippery and there are many stairs to climb throughout the site. The best time to visit is during warmer months when the weather is stable and paths are dry.
The fortress contains hidden underground chambers and tunnels carved beneath the limestone cliffs. These subterranean networks served military and storage purposes and remain less known to visitors than the visible walls above.
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