The Castles of Ukraine Part 1: Khotyn Fortress

Ukraine's two major castles, Khotyn Fortress and the Old Kam'yanets Castle, are both located near the city of Kamianets-Podilskyi [K-P for short] and so while visiting K-P we were able to squeeze in two of the Seven Wonders of Ukraine in one day.  Here is Part 1 of our visits to the castles of Ukraine with our visit to Khotyn Fortress.  

As you exit the parking lot and head down the path towards the castle you encounter one of the newest additions to the grounds.  This huge monument honors the hetmen, the title of the leaders of Cossacks, who held the castle in the 1500's.   

The view of the castle from the upper path.

The view of the inner walls.

Besides the great view the highlight of the visit was what they had on display in the dungeons.

They had a huge collection of medieval siege weapons.  This brings me back to the days of playing Age of Empires in high school!  We begin with a ballista which is a crossbow on steroids.

This trebuchet was the largest weapon they had on display and it nearly reached the ceiling.

It's hard to image this catapult doing much damage when compared to the trebuchet.

Now that you've broken down the walls with the trebuchet and catapult now you can break down the castle walls with a battering ram.

Here you have the front and back view of some primitive cannons.

To get a little closer to the castle you would use one of these shields on wheels.

From the defensive perspective you could always try dropping some boiling oil down on the siege forces.  

If you happen to capture on of the attackers the Iron Wooden Maiden would be waiting for them.

Or...if you need to charge your cellphone feel free to use one of the outlets in the dungeon as well!