NATIONAL RESERVE «ANCIENT HALYCH». REPORT ON THE WORK OF THE RESEARCH EXPEDITION «HALYCH CASTLE: THE WALL ARCHIVE OF THE NOBLE TOWER» IN HALYCH, 2022

Abstract

This material presents the findings of scientific research on the graffiti of the Noble Tower at Halych Castle, carried out by research staff in August 2022. The report was reviewed and approved by the Academic Council of the National Reserve ‘Ancient Halych’ during a meeting on October 13, 2022. The organization of the expedition’s work and its expected results are outlined. The material presents data on documented graffiti found on the slopes of embrasures, as well as in the spaces between embrasures and entrance areas. The descriptive section analyzes the preserved graffiti, categorizing them by chronology (earliest and latest inscriptions), method of application (carving/paint), and language of execution (Latin/Cyrillic script). It is noted that the inscriptions mentioned by researchers of Halych Castle in the second half of the 19th century are absent from the interior. However, previously unknown and unique inscriptions, created by soldiers of the Ukrainian Sich Riflemen Legion and members of the Plast organization, have been discovered. Practical recommendations have been offered for preserving the tower’s graffiti and incorporating them into tourism and guided tour activities. The results of the research based on the studied material provide additional insights into individual structures and the Halych Castle complex as a whole. Given the newly discovered graffiti during archaeological studies of the Entrance Tower in 2023–2024, it is likely that researchers may uncover further significant findings. The research results are being presented in scientific discourse for the first time.