"Chernivtsi - a littlebit of K&K -... " a Chernivtsi Travel Page by frockland

Khotyn is located about 60 kilometres north of Chernivtsi at the Dnistre River. Due to the ford near the village it became a strategic place. To protect the trading routes a fortress was built in the 12th century. In 1621 there was a battle between the Turkish and Slavic forces, who managed to stop them here.
After several changes it appears now as fort with different styles. Some walls are straight, some are round etc. The walls are impressive: up to 35 meters high and more than 4 metres strong!

In 2002 renovations started. Before it was possible to climb on all the towers, walls and whatever was possible. This is unfortunately not longer allowed. (Even the tower with the view platform was closed.)

Nearby is an orthodox church.
More pictures of Khotyn-Fortress are in my travelogue

About 20 kilometres north of Khotyn is the city of Kam`janets - Podilsky, which is one of the oldest in Ukraine. First mentioned in 1106 but probably much older. The location of the old town is unbelievable: In millions of years the Smotryc River created a valley that looks like an Omega. This was the perfect place to build a settlement that seemed to be impregnable. It happened only twice in history the Kam`janets - Podilsky was occupied: in 1393 by the Lithuanians and in 1672 by the Turks.

An impressive fortress was built to defend the only possible access across the valley.

An internet side with some good pictures and historical information is: Kam`janets