The central icon, known as the 'Mother of God of Letychiv,' is a copy of the 'Salus Populi Romani' icon from the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.
The complex was originally established as a wooden monastery in 1606 before being reconstructed in stone.
During the Soviet era, the sanctuary building was repurposed for non-religious administrative functions, leading to the deterioration of original frescoes.
The Letychiv Fortress, which hosts the sanctuary, was originally built to defend the region against Tatar raids during the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth era.
The site contains a memorial grave of the famous folk hero Ustym Karmaliuk, who was imprisoned in the Letychiv castle.
The sanctuary icon was evacuated to Poland during the mid-20th century and returned to Letychiv in 2017 following extensive restoration.
The Sanctuary of the Virgin of Letychiv is a historic Roman Catholic complex centered around a 17th-century icon of the Mother of God, which was crowned by Pope Pius VI in 1778. The site is physically integrated into the remains of the 16th-century Letychiv Fortress, preserving significant defensive walls and a stone tower. It serves as a major pilgrimage destination for Roman Catholics in Ukraine. The architectural complex combines baroque stylistic elements with the fortification remnants of the Podillia region. Visitors can observe the preserved castle tower and the museum dedicated to the sanctuary's history within the walls. The grounds are maintained by the Dominican Order, who have played a central role in the site's history since the 1600s.
The elevated vantage point from the fortress gatehouse looking toward the main sanctuary entrance.
Walk the perimeter of the fortress wall to see the transition between the ancient defensive stonework and the church architecture.
Visit the small museum housed within the fortress walls to view historical artifacts retrieved during the site's renovation.
Speak with local guides or parish volunteers to understand the history of the icon's migration to Poland and its return.
Do not attempt to climb the unsecured sections of the original fortress walls.
The site is occasionally closed to visitors during major private religious retreats or diocesan events.
Modest dress is required; shoulders and knees should be covered. Refrain from loud conversation inside the sanctuary.
