Ukraine’s rich cultural heritage faces unprecedented threats as ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine disrupts and endangers its historic sites. Two remarkable landmarks tied to Vytautas the Great — Tyagyn Fortress and Vytautas Tower — now stand as symbols of resilience and urgency in the preservation of history.

Tyagyn Fortress, built in the late 14th century, was a masterpiece of medieval fortification and a critical customs point on the Dnipro River. Combining stone and wooden structures, it protected vital trade routes from Crimea to Europe. Archaeological finds, including Lithuanian artifacts and an advanced water supply system, highlight its historical and cultural significance. Tragically, in 2023, the fortress remains were partially submerged after the destruction of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant by Russian occupying forces.

Vytautas Tower, another 14th-century marvel, once served as a customs post and watchtower on the Dnipro. Its architecture mirrored Lithuania’s iconic Gediminas Tower, emphasizing its role as a key defensive structure in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Today, the tower remains in the active war zone, its preservation jeopardized by artillery and missile strikes.

Through the DGTRAN project, the Volyn Foundation and its partners from the University of Bialystok (Poland), the Educational Research and Innovation Institute (Lithuania), and the IED (Greece) are fighting against time and conflict to digitally preserve these endangered sites. Using cutting-edge 3D modeling and AR technologies, the project ensures their stories endure despite physical destruction.

Ukrainian castles are more than monuments; they are chapters of shared European history that deserve to be safeguarded for future generations. Hence, our efforts emphasize the importance of safeguarding history, even in the face of war.