Medieval and Early Modern period The town is first mentioned in the 13th century, After being transferred under the ownership of
Transylvanian prince
George II Rákóczi, the local castle declined further. After being captured by the
Ottomans in 1672, the fortress was abandoned and replaced with a
mosque. After the return under Polish rule, during the 18th century Skala was populated predominantly by Jews. Its starost
Adam Tarło contributed to the restoration of the fortifications. A
Late Baroque palace was constructed, but soon thereafter destroyed by a fire, but large
cellars of the structure still remain intact, attracting numerous
treasure hunters. Another structure built during that period is the 1719 Assumption Church. During the late 18th century, the town had been purchased by the noble
Gołuchowski family, serving as their estate. Around 1875 the family's residence was constructed, surrounded by a
landscape park with the area of 50
hectares. The residence, along with its
library and a
Neo-Gothic chapel, was destroyed during the First World War. Its reconstruction was planned to commence in September 1939, but its architect fell victim to the
German invasion of Poland. The town bordered the Soviet Union, from which it was separated only by the
Zbrucz River. During the 1920s a new
synagogue in Skala was erected, also functioning as a Jewish community centre. The local
Poles operated their own "Polish house". During that period the town housed an army
barracks and a
border guards school, and was a major centre of
gardening,
fishing and
maize cultivation. Local
plums were an especially popular delicacy. Along with surrounding areas, Skala became known as a
health resort thanks to its southerly location in comparison to other Polish-ruled areas. (see Gulag#During World War II"). Under Soviet rule the town was renamed Skala-Podilska ("Skala in
Podillia"). Under Nazi occupation, the castle area was repurposed as a
forced labour camp. During the 1970s the ruins of the palace were dismantled, and a
tourist base was established on the site. The landscape park, one of the best in Ukraine, Until 26 January 2024, Skala-Podilska was designated
urban-type settlement. On that day, a new law entered into force which abolished this status, and Skala-Podilska became a rural settlement. == Monuments ==