Zhovkva Castle, Renaissance castle in Zhovkva, Ukraine

Zhovkva Castle is a Renaissance fortress in the heart of the town of Zhovkva, Ukraine, built on a square plan with four corner towers and thick defensive walls. The main gateway carries carved stone ornamentation typical of the period and opens onto a central courtyard surrounded by residential and administrative wings.

The castle was built in 1594 by the Polish hetman Stanisław Żółkiewski, who intended it as both a defensive post and a noble residence on the eastern edge of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Over the following century it passed to King Jan III Sobieski of Poland and then to the Radziwiłł family.

The town's name comes from the Żółkiewski family, but the castle passed by marriage to the Daniłowicz and then the Sobieski family; King Jan III Sobieski, born in Zhovkva, made it his residence after 1674. Latin sentences were carved above every window and the gate, and six statues of former owners were set on the portico stairs in 1741–1742.

Visitors should plan enough time to explore both the outdoor fortifications and the interior rooms, as the grounds cover a fair amount of ground. Sturdy footwear is a good idea, since many areas have uneven stone surfaces and open courtyards.

The chapel was dismantled in the mid-19th century by owner Artur Głogowski, who sold off the castle's remaining furnishings and pulled down the chapel, the adjoining tower, the arcaded galleries and the grand staircase. The castle's Latin inscriptions, once placed above every window, included maxims on courage and counsel.