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Archeologists Open Hidden Chamber Beneath Galician Castle, Revealing Evidence of Tunnels and Local Legends.
For three centuries, a chamber remained untouched beneath a castle in Halych, in western Ukraine. Buried under 150 cubic meters of soil and debris, the room was only accessed now by archeologists after years of meticulous work.
The Discovery of the Ventilation Shaft
In 2023, researchers identified a small ventilation shaft that led to the hidden chamber. From there, they began a delicate manual excavation process. The use of heavy machinery was ruled out to preserve the integrity of the archaeological site.
The site where the chamber was discovered is part of the Galician Castle, also known as Starasta Castle.
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Originally founded in the 12th century as a wooden fortress on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Dniester River, the castle underwent various transformations over the centuries.
History of Wars and Destruction
In the mid-14th century, the castle was rebuilt in stone by Casimir III, the Great. By the early 17th century, it underwent further modifications under the guidance of an architect.
However, in 1676, during the Turkish-Polish War, the castle came under attack. Enemy forces bombarded the walls and defensive towers with cannons. It is believed that part of the wall collapsed at that time, sealing the chamber completely.
According to Vladimir Oleynik, General Director of the Ancient National Reserve of Galich, the site has remained completely isolated since the bombardment. “It was not possible to use heavy machinery, so everything was done manually to preserve the archaeological integrity,” he explained to Heritage Daily.
Possible Function of the Chamber
The initial theories suggest that the room served as a casemate — an arsenal or vault used to protect valuable items during times of conflict.
However, a new element made the discovery even more intriguing: the archeologists found a small opening in one of the walls, suggesting the existence of a tunnel or even an underground network.
The local legends fuel the mystery. One of the stories tells that a young woman escaped through the tunnels with her lover, helped by her maid, who bribed the castle guards.
Other Discoveries in the Region
The area of Halych has already been the scene of other surprising discoveries. In 2018, archeologists unearthed tar decorations scribbled on the bones of a woman buried on the banks of the Dniester River.
The ritual, dating back 4,500 years, was performed after the body had decomposed, allowing the ancients to draw directly on the bones with tar obtained from wood.
As the excavation continues, public access remains restricted. The researchers hope that the next stages will reveal more details about the hidden history of this centuries-old fortress.
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