There are not many brick castles left in Zhytomyr region: from the strongholds of the Ostrogski princes and Lithuanian starostas, mostly only ramparts, castle mounds, and ruins remain. However, the region is rich in palaces and estates of the 18th–19th centuries — residences of the Tereshchenko, Hansky, Mazaraki, Kornytsky families — some of which still adorn villages along the Teterev, Sluch, and Huiva rivers. We have gathered them into one selection with links to detailed articles.
Museums and reserves change schedules, and many palaces now house schools or hospitals — they are viewed from the outside. Before your trip, check the visiting conditions on the websites of museums and local communities.
Castles and Fortresses
Radomysl Castle in Radomyshl grew on the site of an old paper mill above the Mika and Teterev rivers. Today it is a museum with a collection of icons and folk art, one of the most visited landmarks in the region (winter photos).
The Monastery of the Discalced Carmelites in Berdychiv is a true fortress with bastions above the Hnylopiat River, whose history began in 1627. The Berdychiv Icon of the Mother of God is venerated here, and beneath the church there is a lower church.
In Zviahel on the Sluch River, the remains of a castle have been preserved, and in Zhytomyr there is Castle Hill above the Kamyanka River, from which, according to legend, the city began. The castle of the Ostrogski princes also stood in Liubar — the old Liubartiv.
Tereshchenko Palaces
The Tereshchenko family of sugar factory owners left several residences in Zhytomyr region. The most famous is the Berzhynski-Tereshchenko Palace in Andrushivka above the Huiva River, with a park and swans. In Chervone stands the Tereshchenko Palace in neo-Gothic style, wrapped in legends. In Denyshi above the Teterev, the ruins of the palace remain among the rocks, and in Turchynivka — the Tereshchenko-Uvarov Palace in a large estate park.
Estates of Berdychivshchyna
The southern part of the region around Berdychiv is the richest in estates. In Verkhivnia — the Hansky Palace, where Honoré de Balzac stayed; now it is a museum dedicated to the writer. In Raigorodok, among an old park stands the Mazaraki villa in Tuscan style, in Ivankivtsi — the Zhurovskyi estate with a Catholic church and an arena, and in Halchyn — the estate where Mykhailo Chaikovskyi, known as Sadik Pasha, was born.
On the border with Vinnytsia region — the Kornytskyi Palace in Rohachy — a neoclassical estate off the tourist routes. In Volytsia, the Ratsiborovskyi Palace miraculously survived and became a village school.
Estates on the Teteriv and Sluch Rivers
In Zviahel on the Sluch River stands the Mezentsev Palace — a yellow house with a faceted tower, resembling a small castle. In Khoroshiv on the Irsha River, the park of “Horoshkivske Zamchyshche” has been preserved, in Kmytiv — the Sumovskyi estate, and in Malyn — the Myklukha-Maklai Park, the former estate of the traveller’s family.
Forgotten Estates
Some residences are disappearing before our eyes. In Brovky Pershi, just two decades ago, the Scibor-Rylskyi Palace still had a roof and windows, but now it is in ruins. From the magnificent Prushynskyi Palace in Vilsia on the Sluch River, only legends and old photographs remain. People visit such places for the atmosphere, but entering the ruins is dangerous.
How to Combine in a Trip
- Zhytomyr and Teteriv: Castle Hill, Denyshi, and Turchynivka — one day by car.
- Berdychivshchyna: Carmelite Monastery, Ivankivtsi, Halchyn, Verkhivnia, and Raigorodok.
- Andrushivka and Chervone: two Tereshchenko palaces a few dozen kilometers apart.
- Western part of the region: Zviahel with the castle and Mezentsev Palace, then Liubar and Myropil on the Sluch River.
- East: Radomyshl with the castle-museum on the way from Kyiv.
Neighboring strongholds are featured in the collections Castles and Palaces of Rivne Region and Castles and Palaces of Volyn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which palaces of Zhytomyr region can be visited inside?
Open to visitors are Radomysl Castle, the Balzac Museum in Verkhovnya, and the Carmelite Monastery in Berdychiv. Other palaces are mostly viewed from the outside.
What to see in one day from Zhytomyr?
Berdychiv with its monastery and the estates around it, or Andrushivka with Chervonyi.
Are there any medieval castles preserved in Zhytomyr region?
Almost none: only ramparts, castle mounds, and fragments of walls remain, as in Zviahel and Zhytomyr.
