Archaeologists make shocking discovery after accessing room that had been sealed up for 300 years

By XANTHA LEATHAM, EXECUTIVE SCIENCE EDITOR

Published: 12:28 BST, 30 May 2025 | Updated: 12:28 BST, 30 May 2025

For the last three centuries, this dark, dusty chamber has been sealed shut.

Hidden beneath a castle in Halych, western Ukraine, the mysterious room was buried beneath 150 cubic metres of soil and debris.

It is believed the room was covered by a section of wall that collapsed when the castle was bombarded by canons in 1676.

In 2023, experts discovered a small ventilation shaft leading to the hidden chamber. 

Now, after years of delicate excavation work, archaeologists have finally been able to access it. 

Initial theories suggest that the chamber served as a casemate – an arsenal, or vault for safeguarding precious belongings during times of conflict.

But to add to the mystery, a small gap in one of the chamber’s walls indicates the presence of a tunnel, or possibly a network of underground tunnels long associated with local legend.

One tells of a girl who escaped through the tunnels with her lover, aided by her maid who bribed the castle guards. 

This sealed chamber was hidden beneath the castle for 300 years, covered by 150 cubic metres of soil and debris

One of the most intriguing discoveries within the chamber is a small gap in one of its stone walls, hinting at a possible tunnel

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The building, called Galician Castle – or Starasta Castle – was originally founded in the 12th century as a wooden fortification built on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Dniester River.

In the mid-14th century it was rebuilt in stone by Casimir III the Great and, later, in the early 17th century it was redesigned by an architect.

It was Vladimir Oleynik, Director General of the Ancient Galich National Reserve, who first announced the discovery of a ventilation shaft two years ago.

He believes the collapsed wall likely dates to the Turkish-Polish War of 1676, when Halych was attacked by forces who used a cannon to destroy the castle’s defensive walls and towers.

‘This part of the castle had been completely cut off since the explosion,’ Mr Oleynik told Heritage Daily.

‘No heavy machinery could be used, so it was all done manually to preserve the archaeological integrity.’

While work is ongoing, public access to the excavation site remains restricted.

Archaeologists hope that further exploration will provide deeper insights into the hidden history of one of Ukraine’s most legendary fortresses. 

The castle, which is believed to date back to the 12th century, is located on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Dniester River

In 2018 experts unearthed mysterious tar decorations scrawled on the bones of a woman buried along the river Dniester.

The burial ritual, unlike anything ever seen in Europe, is thought to have taken place after the woman had died and decomposed 4,500 years ago.

This allowed ancient people to draw directly on her bones – likely using tar obtained from wood.

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Archaeologists make shocking discovery after accessing room that had been sealed up for 300 years

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