For a very long time, a magnificent location was in my mind that I wanted to write. It's been more than 2 years since I visited this location yet I couldn't write about it due to emotional turmoil. I still can visualize the moment of visiting this location and I am sure, you will also enjoy reading about this unique location. Not many people get the chance to visit this location because it's not polished, well maintained, and interesting.
Sharivka Palace (Ukrainian: Шарівка, Russian: Шаровка) known as Fairy Tale Castle located on the outskirts of Kharkiv, Ukraine is a majestic architectural gem that encapsulates the grandeur and history of the region. I was lucky enough to visit this castle once in a lifetime and had a magnificent photo shoot there for Halloween 2021. So, today I am going to take you to my 2021 memory and history of the 18th century. Not many people are familiar with this castle because the current condition of this castle is nothing but an example of historical ruination. It was Fall, 2021, just before Halloween. We had a photoshoot event and excursion at Sharivka or Sharovka Castle. I was tucked with the team as I was part of the event and also wanted to have a Halloween photoshoot. We started our journey early morning because our plan was for the whole day. It took us around 2 hours to reach the location.
Sharivsky/Sharivka palace - Fairy Tale Castle
Due to language, this castle/palace has several names. Locals call this castle Sharovskyy Castle and I am familiar with this name. Kharkiv people generally call this castle either Sharivskky Zamok or Sharovskky Zamok. Located in the village of Sharivka, the palace is 20 km away from Kharkiv city center, north eastern region of Kharkiv Oblast. Nearby villages are Myrne and Khruschova and very close to the Russian city Belgorod. This palace is nestled amidst picturesque surroundings, surrounded by lush greenery and serene landscapes. I was there during the autumn season so I relished the exquisite picturesque beauty of the Fall season. Its location provides visitors (mostly locals) with a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life while still being easily accessible from Kharkiv.
This exquisite palace was built in the 18th century following the Roman-Gothic style and underwent several renovations and expansions over the years. Unfortunately, the current situation of this palace is heartbreaking but a part of the palace still stands there after renovation. The whole complex is 44 hectares including the palace, lush forest, and hiking trails. This was a private estate and the palace was made with white stone. The first landowner was Olkhovsky who had created the idea of the palace's design and introduced modern Eastern European architecture in the region. In 1860, this large manor passed to the Goebenstreiter brothers.
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These two brothers pitched a castle with terraces on a high hill and decorated it with exotic plantings. In 1881, this palace was acquired by famous sugar tycoon Leopold Koenig (koenig means king) who improved the castle complex, expanded it, and developed a park area. Because of the expansion, locals at that time felt hostile and were forced to resettle nearby villages.
Time passed and now the castle became isolated from the dynasty era and desolated eventually. Even though a large part of the complex is nothing but ruination, still the main white stone palace holds the charm. source.
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We took the car and drove to the castle complex, in front of the entrance; there was a large parking area. It was the weekend so when we reached the ticket counter, they said that they were expecting a large group of people so we had to be very careful during our photoshoot. Near the entrance, there was a very small coffee shop and the owner of the shop was very interested in me because he never saw people from another country especially my skin color people visit this palace. We grabbed coffee first, then cut the ticket to enter the castle complex.
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At first, we looked for a specific spot to keep our clothes. I went with the photographer to select the location for Halloween Photoshoot. To be honest, the castle looked exquisite from far away and there were many nice spots for photoshoots as well. Our first spot for Photoshoot was near the pond. The pond was a little bit far away from the palace, close to the forest area. The footbridge was almost destroyed but the ruined bridge had made the spot more attractive. This park/forest had more than 400 species of trees, Oak trees were more than 200-300 years old. We had to be careful as wild wolves, bears, and roe deer.
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The pond site was my favorite site of the complex, I spent around 1 hour here just to enjoy the majestic picturesque scenery. It was so calm and beautiful. I didn't dare to go to the forest alone, some hikers were going into the forest following the trail.
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After the photoshoot, my excursion had begun. The inside of the palace was not open to the public, it was restricted and also, a part of the castle had been destroyed completely and abandoned. You will see that part later in the post. I noticed broken fountains, sculptures, and planter boxes. They were beautiful but due to lack of maintenance, nobody tried to restore these things. Nobody even considered restoring this palace, probably because it was private property. It was sad to see such ruins in front of my eyes but also fascinating. We often want to pay to see well-preserved, polished architecture, we never pay to see ruined structures.
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For the Halloween photoshoot, it was a perfect gazebo but it felt sad to see such destruction. I had gone back in time for a while. Sad...
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Back then who used to work in the castle, lived within the palace complex. These are staff quarters, horse stables, and cellars/ food storage. Buildings are completely abandoned now. I walked around and stood for a while in front of these buildings.
After seeing this park, I went to see the back of the palace and I was shocked to see the condition of the building.
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As you can see a large portion of the palace is destroyed including a huge greenhouse, the palace manager's office, and a part of the palace itself. This part of the palace is risky for the tourists and can't be explored. The exterior and interior of this part of the castle were in a vulnerable position. I just looked and walked, didn't even dare to touch anything or get close to the windows.
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I spent the rest of my time sitting near the terrace area, it was so nice just to enjoy the view. The unbelievable view was right in front of me.
Even though the current situation of the castle might seem depressing for the tourist; I haven't heard any cruel or heartbreaking stories regarding this palace. There are rumors about the king's private life but that's it. One of the important facts about this castle was, that during the Soviet era, this castle served as a tuberculosis sanatorium. During the 20th century, it served as a military hospital during World War II, enduring damage from the conflict. During the 19th century, this palace was a center of cultural and social gatherings, hosting lavish parties, concerts, and other prestigious events attended by aristocrats and dignitaries.
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Once upon a time, Sharovskky Castle served as the family's luxurious residence, showcasing their wealth, status, and refined taste. Even though huge period of negligence and deterioration, the front facade of the castle still showcases that era of history, richness, and culture. Today, Sharivka Palace stands as a symbol of Ukraine's rich cultural heritage, attracting visitors from around the world to admire its exquisite design and learn about its storied past.
I am feeling relieved now from a huge burden. It took me more than 2 years to gather the courage to write this post. I can't explain what kind of feeling I was holding till now. To be honest, whenever I thought to write about Sharovka Palace, I stopped and couldn't continue. Finally, I am able to showcase this exquisite example of ruination with you. Finally, I put myself together to finish this post...
Thanks a lot for your time and thanks for reading my post...
My photoshoot post- "Dark Angel or An Enchantress" - My Dark, Deep, Secret Desire and Fantasy | Halloween Look
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Priyan...
I am @priyanarc.... An architect, a dreamer, and a passionate writer who loves to write about life. I try to present my own perspective and experiences. Please leave your feedback and criticism because it's the only way I can know and reach your mind and thoughts easily...
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I like a ruin, but yet I think it is so sad that buildings are allowed to get in such a state. Whether people just can't afford it I don't know. When I think of all the homeless people, and then look at how many derelict buildings there are, it doesn't make sense.
Same in Spain , lots of medieval castles and old roman pathways getting ruined
Most of them just lost there original use they had time ago
Many people would like to rebuild them , but laws and taxes stop them
Law makers make a lot of money with residential buildings constructions permits...
Really? I heard some similar situations in Italy but in Spain also!! I didn't know...Laws and Taxes can be a huge problem and I think this palace of Ukraine is still facing similar issues because it was a private manor of a rich landlord...
That is for sure...
Well,Repairing an old building uses to be expensive , I live in an old house and when you have to fix something you find house is built with old techniques
Many old centenary olive trees are dying because nobody takes care of them
But if you try to keep them alive and want to make a small house in the middle of the countryside you get a lot of problems
Unless you know the right person in the local council
I see, I didn't know about this, thanks for such important information...
That also I was thinking. Unfortunately in Ukraine, I have seen a lot of abandoned places but this palace caught my eye. During the world war, this palace was active so what happened after that is a mystery. Why this palace is not considered to be restored, that's also a mystery.
It's really sad...
Amazing photography shared by you @priyanarc
Thank you...
Hi friend @priyanarc
How are you doing? It's good to read that you are finally able to memorize the beautiful Ukraine as it was.
I hope and pray you have settled and will bring life back on track soon.
Happy Weekend :)
Life has been tough but I have been better, trying to adjust to the current situation and trying to make concrete decisions for further life.
Yes because these memories make me emotional and cause a lot of problems emotionally. Finally, I was able to write it down and let it go...I hope you are doing well...
Indeed friend, that's brave of you.
I am doing well.
hope you're having a good time, take care.
Happy weekend.
Lovely pictures 🥰🥰🇺🇦🇺🇦We will visit more beautiful places in Kharkiv soon 🇺🇦🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️
I hope so too, I hope you doing well today. Stay safe dear...
I'm not surprised you had a hard time documenting this tour. It is so incredibly impressive and amazing how the grandeur of a place can be so desolate over the years.
Of course it makes us think of so many of the things we as humans are capable of creating or rather, destroying.
I am astonished with the tour, how is that possible? I understand that it is perfect for the halloween photo shoot, no doubt it was a more than adequate location. But to imagine how huge the place is and picture me walking through it as you did, makes me feel a certain sadness.
These are images worthy of being portrayed and shared here. I mean, if they were even surprised by your visit, it's one of the best examples of how hidden this architectural gem is, the greenhouse just left me speechless. Unbelievable.
The entire Sharovskky complex is huge, part of the complex is currently turned into a deep forest. I often felt sad whenever I saw these photos even when I was there, I felt sad that nobody even tried to restore the palace at least. That huge greenhouse could be beneficial for the village and the government could have taken steps to make it a nice tourist spot. But I think because it was private property laws and taxes are different. Many things were not clear to me about this castle, what happened after the 3rd landlord because, after the world war, this place became completely abandoned.
I am glad that I could show you something meaningful. My thought was to highlight this place on blockchain because of the war in Ukraine. I also saw many people have written reviews about this place, day by day this palace is destroying...
The place still shows its beauty, despite its deterioration, the place has a special charm.
I would dare to imagine the beauty of the entire place, at its best.
This was a beautiful walk, thanks for sharing it.
Yes, it has and that's why this location is popular among photographers. Probably not many tourists will be willing to pay for such a ruined castle excursion but overall, this location reminds the richness of history and how that history of wealth and culture can disappear in time...
I can say I have seen many historical places so far but have never seen something like this. Sad and scary but beautiful...
I hope you have enjoyed reading the post, have a nice week...
Such an impressive place and amazing photos :)
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Thank you Kate...
Growing up, I saw lots of fairytale cartoons and I love how the castles always looks like.
This is beautiful and really looks like a fairytale castle.
I am glad you were finally able to take us down memory lane☺️ Thank you for sharing, I enjoyed reading this and looking at the pictures
Yes, the front side of the castle seems exactly like Disney castle. Unfortunately, no princess lives there anymore.
I actually took a long time to write about this location finally, I posted videos a long time ago (almost 2 years ago) about this castle. It was a surreal feeling...Thanks for taking the time to read this post...
Wow👌👌👌👌👌👌👏🏻
Thank you...
What a unique perspective on a historical landmark! Sharivka Palace seems like a place lost in time. The photos capture both the grandeur of its past and the sadness of its current state. It sounds like a fascinating place steeped in history.
Exactly and this palace reminded me that, in time everything disappeared and lost its charm and history. I always preferred to see well-preserved landmarks and structures but this excursion was something unforgettable.
You are right. The Sharovskyy Castle is indeed an amazing place filled with rich history. And with everything that has happened, it surely will be hard to write.
However, I am glad you were able to visit before the ruination occurred.
Exactly, it was a relief after writing the story and travel experiences because I wanted to share this place with everyone. I know not many will be able to visit this palace due to its location. And the best part is, it's on the blockchain now so it will live forever on the blockchain...
It is very thoughtful of you writing about this despite the turmoil faced. Thanks for sharing once more.
And I would like to thank you once again for taking the time to appreciate this location... 😍
Hehe, you are welcome 😁.
Sharivka Palace is very similar to a palace from my country, Romania. Funny how most of them were used by the rich people back then but in most of cases end up abandoned sooner or later.
Yes, it's a fascinating history and back then it was showoff of wealth and culture of rich people, and now it's abandoned and desolated. Have you written about that palace? It was a great experience for me when I was in Ukraine.
Thanks, dear for taking the time to read the post...
No, I didn't. I actually haven't even visited it as it's quite away from where I'm currently living but will keep it on my bucket list until the moment to see it in person comes. ✨
It will be fascinating I am sure because we always see refined and well-preserved historical lands and architecture. So, something like this castle will remind us that without proper maintenance, history will disappear like this castle in time...
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