Following a wall collapse, Ukraine's Ministry of Culture commits UAH 3 million to preserving Khotyn Fortress

Funding approved for Khotyn Fortress preservation

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: Ukraine's Ministry of Culture has set aside UAH 3 million to prepare scientific-project documentation for the conservation of Khotyn Fortress. The money will finance restoration repair work on a section of the defensive walls and the installation of a water drainage system. The steps follow the collapse of part of the western wall in April, which caused the loss of four merlons. The project is scheduled to be completed by 25 December 2026.

The western defensive wall is classified as a national heritage monument. The April collapse left a large breach in that section, and a smaller area of dampness has been detected between the Commandant's Tower and the Northern Tower. Historical records indicate that in the 18th and 19th centuries the castle had a drainage network, but it fell into neglect once the fortress ceased to be a military facility in 1856. Remnants of that network were uncovered during archaeological work in the castle's northern courtyard. The wet stain on the western wall is believed to have started forming in the late 19th or early 20th century.

The reserve has commissioned the Research and Design Institute "UkrNDIproektrestavratsiya" to produce two sets of documentation:

• The first set covers restoration repair of the defensive walls between the Northern, Commandant's, and South-Western towers. This includes injecting strengthening compounds, rebuilding masonry and battlements, recreating red-brick geometric ornaments, and adding waterproofing. Its cost is UAH 1,498,500.
• The second set covers a drainage system for the area enclosed by the defensive walls and is valued at UAH 1,496,400. Ground-penetrating radar and 3D laser scanning have already been carried out to gain a clearer picture of the monument's condition. The western defensive wall stands more than 40 metres high.

"Khotyn Fortress is a unique monument of national importance. We need to restore the damaged wall section and guarantee its long-term preservation. That means carrying out comprehensive research and removing the causes of deterioration before restoration begins. Proper drainage comes first, followed by wall restoration. This approach will let us address the consequences of the collapse and reduce the risk of further damage."

Ivan Verbytskyi, First Deputy Minister of Culture of Ukraine

Beyond its cultural value, Khotyn Fortress is a historical landmark for Ukraine, serving as a reminder of the country's past and an integral part of its heritage. The planned work could serve as a model for protecting cultural heritage, while also boosting tourism and visitor interest in Ukrainian history.