The fortress at Tustan was carved directly into sandstone cliffs, with wooden beams anchored into pre-drilled holes in the stone.
Archaeologists have identified over 4,000 grooves and notches in the rocks that reveal the exact layout of the former wooden fortress.
Tustan functioned as an important customs point for salt shipments moving from Drohobych to Western Europe.
The Tustan fortress complex was largely destroyed by Mongol invaders in the 13th century but remained in use as a fortified site for several centuries afterward.
During the medieval period, the wooden fortress reached a height of five stories, effectively blending with the natural rock pillars.
Muzey Tustani is the primary cultural and interpretive center for the Tustan fortress, a unique archaeological site featuring natural rock formations used as foundations for a medieval wooden castle. The museum exhibits artifacts recovered from the site, including metalwork, ceramics, and architectural remains that date from the 9th to the 16th century. It utilizes augmented reality (AR) technology to help visitors visualize the original wooden structures that once sat atop the sandstone cliffs. The museum is located in the village of Urych within the Skole Beskids National Nature Park. It serves as the gateway to the Tustan State Historical and Cultural Reserve. Visitors can study the historical reconstruction plans and scale models of the fortress before hiking to the rock complex. The museum’s permanent collection provides the necessary context for the site's role as a customs point and border defense fortification on the Silk Road and salt trade routes.
The museum's viewing deck overlooking the surrounding Skole Beskids landscape.
Download the Tustan AR mobile app before arrival to experience digital reconstructions while walking the rock site.
Allocate extra time to hike the circular trail around the rocks after visiting the museum exhibits.
Check the museum's digital platforms for news on temporary archaeological displays before your trip.
Attempting to climb the unstable or restricted sections of the sandstone rocks without marked paths.
Wear sturdy footwear suitable for rocky, uneven terrain and potential mud after rain.
