An Exquisite example of Ruination - Sharivka Palace, Kharkiv Oblast , Ukraine | Old Revived Memory

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.

---

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.

^{The Entrance}

^{The Second Entrance}

---

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.

^{After entering the complex, my eyes saw this first and I was surprised because I was expecting something well-preserved castle.}

^{Open terrace in front of the Castle, this was one of the most beautiful parts of the castle that is almost ruined now.}

---

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.

---

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.

^{Palace View from Forest and Pond Area}

---

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.

---

^{Ruined and almost destroyed Gazebo...}

---

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...

^{Staff Quarters and Horse Stables...}

---

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.

^{Current condition of the back of the castle...}

---

---

---

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.

---

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.

---

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...

source1

source 2

My photoshoot post- "Dark Angel or An Enchantress" - My Dark, Deep, Secret Desire and Fantasy | Halloween Look

---

Love

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...}

---

Find me on:

• youtube
• Dtube
• Twitter
• Instagram

---

The author captures all images used...