Historiography of Architectural and Archaeological Research of the Halych Castle Complex During the Period of Independence of Ukraine

Abstract

The castle complex of the end of the 16th century in Halych city (Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast, Ukraine) with its structural and compositional elements (castle with storerooms, chancellery, court building and the Сhapel of St. Catherine, five towers and three entrance gates) is one of the historical and architectural objects that have repeatedly been subjected to archaeological research. Since 1991 archaeologists have focused their attention on the study of elements of the Halych castle complex, trying to investigate unknown or little-known historical stages of its functioning, and to discover archaeological artefacts and finds for further evaluation. The analysis of historiography of the architectural and archaeological studies of the Halych castle complex made it possible to organise and distinguish three conditional periods of scientific research. The first period (1991–1996) was devoted to the discovery and study of cultural stratums, the determination of historical changes in the fortification system, the mapping of fortifications of the Schliakhetska (Noble) Tower and the Chapel of St. Catherine. The second period (1997–2010) includes archaeological pre-project and project studies for restoring fragments of castle walls and the Schliakhetska Tower and ways of preserving and representing the historical and archaeological potential. The third period (2013–2024) is associated with archaeological explorations and earthworks to determine constructional and spatial structure of components of the Entrance Tower. The planning and practical implementation of future archaeological studies should create prerequisites for preservation and protection, and optimal ways of utilitarian adaptation and integrated use of archaeological, historical and architectural objects of the Halych castle.