[24.11.2011]
Project «The Via Regia – Ukraine – cultural route of the European Council»
Historical corridor the Via Regia in Ukraine
1. Kievan Rus
In the VII-Õ century in the territory of the Eastern-southern Europe, between the Black and Baltic seas, within the basins of the Dnieper, Dniester and Oka Rivers eastern Slavs’ super-unions were formed, which further developed into the “military” governments: principalities of the Khorvats (the Zasians, Terebovlians, Poborans), the Volynians (properly Volynians, Buzhans, Luchans, Chervyans, Dulibs), the Drevlians, Polians, Siverians, Dregovichs, Kryvychs, Redymychs, Viatychs and Slovens. Not later than
In 989 Volodymyr Sviatoslavych married Princess Anna, sister of the Byzantine emperor Roman ²² of the Macedonian dynasty. Over epoch of Yaroslav Mudriy (Yaroslav the Wise) (1016–1018 and 1019–1054) Ruriks’ reigning dynasty through the dynastic connections became related with the Swedish dynasty of Shetkonungs-Inglings, Polish Pyasts, Hungarian Arpads, Norwegian Harfargs-Inglings, French Capeting, German Stade and Orlamunde. For certain this facilitated economic connections of Rus with European states.
Over the Kievan Rus epoch its territory was crossed by three international arteries the Amber Way (from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea through the Vistula, San and Dniester Rivers), the Route from the Varangians to the Greeks (from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea through the Neva, Ladoga, Volkhov and Dnieper) and route from Bulgar on the Volga to the Cordobian Caliphate in the Spain (along Volga and Oka, further through the Chernigiv Land to Kyiv – Galych – Peremyshl’ – Krakow – Prague – Regensburg – Trier). The latter crossed almost all
Before existence of the developed net of the hard ways, communications were mainly realized mainly by the rivers. At this in Rus were used lod’s – small Vikings’ drekars, which had low submersion, can be sails- or oars-powered, and were easily drawn on land by rollers (portage) between rivers. Along the Via Regia (from Bulgar upstream Volga and further upstream Oka and Ugra Rivers, through portage to Desna, then downstream Desna to its inflow into Dnieper nearby Kyiv) to the capital of Rus arrived silk, luxury goods, spices, other oriental goods and northern furs. In opposite direction were transported slaves, honey, wax (which was highly demanded – the wax candles were the main lightings) and artisans’ production. In Kyiv the Via Regia crossed with the Route from the Varangians to the Greeks, through which Byzantine and Scandinavian import arrived (particularly arm and stabes – the steel work pieces, because local marsh ores were not usable to produce cutting arm and other similar goods).
From Kyiv the Via Regia had three routes:
1) Kyiv – Bilgorod –Yaropolch – Kotel’nytsia – Medzhybizh – Terebovlia – Mykulyntsi – Galych – L’viv (since the second half of the Õ²²² century) – Gorodok – Peremyshl’– Yaroslav – Krakow;
2) Kyiv – Bilgorod – Yaropolch – Kotel’nytsia – Kolodiazhne – Polonyi – Kremenets’ – Brody – Bus’k – Belz – Cherven and further to Lublin, Sandomyr and Krakow (within the section Brody–Bus’k this route had the offshoot to the first one to L’viv – Gorodok – Peremyshl’;
3) Kyiv – Bilgorod – Yaropolch – Kotel’nytsia – Kolodiazhne – Polonyi – Kremenets’ – Myches’k – Zviagel – Korets’ – Dorogobuzh – Lutsk – Volodymyr – Ustylug – Kholm (since the second part of the Õ²²² century) and further to Lublin, Sandomyr, Krakow.
These routes were confirmed by the long-term studies, first of all archeological (for example, see: Tereschuk, K.I. 1981. Medieval trade routes of the
Taking into account significance of the Galych land, rich in salt depositions (salt was the main conserving agent before refrigerators’ appearance) routes through its territory were an important element of the Via Regia. Besides, just here this route crossed with the Amber Route. The Khorvat principalities of the Upper Dniester and San basins for certain period were within the orbit of the Great Moravian State; and land of the Chervans and Tanians (so called the Cherven grads – towns) in the Tanva and Vepr Rivers’ basins – of the Polish State, and like Volyn’ lands had long-standing trade links with the Central Europe. Due to more close contacts of the Volyn’ land with Kyiv the Volyn’ section of the route was used more intensively. . The Khorvat principalities of the Upper Dniester and San basins for certain period were within the orbit of the Great Moravian State;and land of the Chervans and Tanians (so called the Cherven – towns) in the Tanva and Vepr Rivers’ basins – of the Polish State, and like Volyn’ lands had long-standing trade links with the Central Europe. Due to more close contacts of the Volyn’ land with Kyiv the Volyn’ section of the route was used more intensively. The Khorvat principalities of the Upper Dniester and San basins for certain period were within the orbit of the Great Moravian State;and land of the Chervans and Tanians (so called the Cherven – towns) in the Tanva and Vepr Rivers’ basins – of the Polish State, and like Volyn’ lands had long-standing trade links with the Central Europe. Due to more close contacts of the Volyn’ land with Kyiv the Volyn’ section of the route was used more intensively. . The Khorvat principalities of the Upper Dniester and San basins for certain period were within the orbit of the Great Moravian State;and land of the Chervans and Tanians (so called the Cherven – towns) in the Tanva and Vepr Rivers’ basins – of the Polish State, and like Volyn’ lands had long-standing trade links with the Central Europe. Due to more close contacts of the Volyn’ land with Kyiv the Volyn’ section of the route was used more intensively.
Historically reconstructed Ukrainian section of the Via Regia in the XI–XIV centuries was as follows: Kyiv – Korets’ – Ostrog – Luts’k – L’viv – Peremyshl’, and more detailed: Kyiv – Zhytomyr – Novograd-Volynskiy (ancient Zviagel’) – Korets’ (capital of the Korets’ principality) – Ostrog – Rivne – Klevan’ (capital of the Klevan’ principality of the Chortoryiski princes) – Olyka (later capital of the Radzivil’s appagenage principality) – Luts’k – Dubno – Brody – Plisnens’k (now village Pidgirtsi) – Oles’ko – Bus’k – L’viv – Sambir – Dobromyl’ – Nyzhankovychi – Peremyshl’.
The name V³à Regia reflects significance of this trunk road for the European countries, where it was under the royal protection (Peremyshl’ – Krakow –
Along V³à Regia merchants of the Cordobian Khalifat ad-radchanja placed factories, where sold mainly slaves. Such factories were also in Peremyshl’ and Kyiv. The Jewish traveler from Tortosa Ibragim ibn Yakub al Israeli al at-Turstizi visited Jewish factories in the V³à Regia in 965-966. Fragments of his notes éîãî ðåëÿö³¿ came to us through the Arabian geographists Al Bakri, Al Kazvini and Ibn Said (see: Kunyk A., Rosen V. Notes of Al Bakri and other authors about Rus and Slavs.
From Kyiv to Peremyshl’ merchandise was carried using the four-wheel carts. Until now specialists discuss upon relay, however they incline that the heavy carts were driven by oxen (see.: Glushko, M. Genesis of the animal relay in
The Scandinavians called Rus Gardariky – the
Merchants were progressive layer of the community, which united different lands, brings novelties to modernize production and technologies and promoted general progress. Naturally merchants served as one of the driving forces of the town viche (analog of the Scandinavian and ancient German ting) – general meeting of free citizens able to carry arm.
The “Rus’ka pravda” (“Russian truth”) – one of the main legislative collections contains mentions about officers of the custom service (os’mennyks and virnyks), judges and police (yemetss and yabednyks). Positions of os’mennyk, to whom the town market was subordinated, were occupied by the Boyars – representatives of the higher military estate. Virnyks collected duties (truths), yemetss arrested and kept violators in the prison, yabednyks watched over the order and reported to the authorities.
Statements on the decline of the Kievan Rus since the second half of the Õ² century are not true. Rus, like the
Situation changed only after invasion of the Mongolian conquerors of Batu Khan in 1238–1241. On December 6, 1240 the Mongols seized Kyiv then through the V³à Regia invaded to the
2. The Galych-Volyn’ principality
In1199 the Volyn’ prince Roman Mstyslavych from the elder branch of Monomakhovychs managed to unify the Galych and Volyn’ lands by the dynastic union. At that time in the Galych land died away the eldest branch of the Yaroslav’s the Wise descendants. From the very beginning they lost their title to the Kyiv throne, so local princes did not leave their lands and due to different reasons did not divided their apanages, but united. The local boyars also had no need to move along with their princes to other land, so they won transformation of their beneficence, got over service, to the hereditary feuds. This was the difference of the Galych and
Volyn’ also developed intensively, there were more than 90 towns, the northern Volyn’ lands included
Under difficult conditions of the Hungarian and Polish interference to struggle for the Roman Mstyslavych inheritance (who died in 1205) and Mongolian invasion, Danylo Romanovych succeeded in protection of the united lands. In 1253 he was crowned and King of Rus. Between 1245–1256 his son Lev Danylovych founded town, named after himself – L’viv (Lev’s), at the border of his Peremyshl and Belz principalities, that is of the Galych and Volyn’ land. Until now some specialists consider King Danylo as founder of the town; however the majority considers his son Lev, at that time appanage prince and father’s companion-in-arms. L’viv at once became one of the main centers of the V³à Regia, and took upon itself the role of Galych.
Danylo Romanovych (1205–1264, with breaks) could not free the lands from dependence on the Mongolian. Lev Danylovych used internal conflicts of the Golden Orda and with help of Ulusbek Nogaj, Chingisid, who possessed the powerful Black Sea ulus with center in Isakcea upon Danube and replaced the Golden-Orda khans, succeed in expansion of territory of the Kingdom Rus, including part of Transcarpathia, the
The Galych-Volyn’ principalities totally used neighborhood with the Great Mongolian Empire („Pax Mongolica“) for the further development of the V³à Regia, which at that time connected Europe and
3. Rzecz Pospolita
In 1462 after death of the last Belz prince
Since the XV to the middle of the XVII century these territories experienced economical upgrade, conditioned first of all by increased demand for alimentary products and timber in
State of roads was improved. Special service, repair and recovery of the hard surface of roads, dams, dikes and bridges was organized; within certain section certain towns were responsible for these activities and for this purpose levied special duties. This concerned also river crossings and ferries.
Since time of the Galych-Volyn’ princes towns got the Magdeburg right, which deliberated them from jurisdiction of the civil servants of all ranks, gave them elective council and court, guild organization and right to organize one to six fair trades from some days to six weeks long every year. These towns increased their size and population. L’viv became the maximal town in
Big international cattle trade fairs occurred in Peremyshl. Intensively developed towns of the former Peremyshl’ principality, located along the V³à Regia: Yaroslav, Perevorsk (now Pshevorsk), Riashiv (now Rzheshuv). There was no town without its own fair trade. In fact one can leave one fair trade directly to other – along Ukrainian section of the route fair trades did not stop.
The Kozak wars in the second half of the XVII century changed such situation. The right-bank
4.
Territory of the right-bank
Until 1914 trade connections between Russia and Austria did not stopped, in spite of construction of the powerful fortresses, particularly in Peremyshl and Tarakaniv (nearby Dubno). The V³à Regia continued to function, however its significance dropped after the Napoleonic wars, changes in political map of the Europe and constrcuction of railways (for instance, direct branch line was constructed from Kyiv to Brest-Lytovskiy and Warsaw, soon it was duplicated by the road with hard surface), which took upon theirself the main portion of traffic activity.
5. The V³à Regia in ÕÕ century. New perspectives at the beginning of the ÕÕ² century
Two world wars, now changes of boundaries, further development of the railway communications, appearance of the air and pipeline transportation, changed significance of the V³à Regia as international trunk road. Its sections remained only local significance, which also changed as changed economical map of the territory, appearance of new industrial centers and decline of old towns.
In new actual conditions of the ÕÕ² century the V³à Regia experiences period of renaissance, first of all as tourist route which connects East and
Project «The Via Regia –
Kyiv (population in 2010 – 2611 thousand inhabitants, 50°25' N, 30°30' E). Appeared at the border of the VII–VIII centuries as center of the Polians’ tribes’ super-union. About the second half of the VIII century the Polians got into dependence on Khozars and paid them the tribute – a silver coin and a squirrel fur per house. However with assistance of the Vikings to 838 the Polians freed their self from this dependence, their ruler got title of Khagan of Rus – in such way his equality with the Khozars’ ruler was declared. Embassy of the Khagan of Rus was sent to the Byzantine Emperor Theophil. The latter was rather afraid of Khozars, so returned the embassy through the territory of the Franc emporia; in May 839 they got in Ingelheim, at court of Louis the Pious (Fr. Louis le Pieux, Germ. Ludwig der Fromme). In 860 Khagan Askold undertook campaign from Kyiv to
Our journey through the historical corridor the Via Regia is started in the center of the city, on the Old-Kyiv elevation, where the St Sophia’s ensemble formed architectural appearance of the
The outstanding memorial of the ancient Rus architecture of the XI century the St Sophia Cathedral always enchanted everybody who has seen it at once. The cathedral is harmonically unified with the picturesque monastic ensemble of the XVIII century, constructed in the Ukrainian Baroque style. The Metropolitan’s house, the Bakery, the Refectory, the
For the thousand years stand St Sophia in the blessed Kyiv hills, in the very heart of the ancient capital of the Rus-Ukraine. The St Sophia cathedral manifested appearance of the powerful Christian Rus in the world arena. Here was located Metropolis with the oldest library and the shop, where the books were translated and copied. In the Cathedral occurred coronation of the Great Princes, sacring of metropolitans, conclusion of the political agreements, and welcome of the ambassadors. Here the churchly assemblies were met; testimonial prayers on occasion of important events were served.
In 1994 the Sofiya Kyivska (St Sophia of Kyiv) has got status of the national reserve. In 1987 international jury of the
In the center of Kyiv, not far from the St Sophia Cathedral is located the unique memorial of the defensive architecture of Kievan Rus – the
The Golden Gate was the defensive tower with the pass, which was crowned by the over-gate
In 1983 was constructed the reconstruction pavilion “The Golden Gate”, which became a museum. It is included into the National historical reserve “Sofia Kyivs’ka”.
From “The Golden Gate” museum we should go along Volodymyrs’ka Street to its beginning, where nearby the Historical museum are remains of the
The
Since the year 2005 the archeological investigations of the
The next objects of the period of the Via Regia functioning is the National Kyiv-Pechers’k historical-cultural reserve. It can be reached from the nearest metro station – “Arsenal’na” by the trolley ¹ 38, bus ¹ 24 or afoot.
The Kyiv-Pechers’k reserve – is a unique and the biggest museum complex of the
The monastery was founded in the Õ² century in the pecheras (caves) on one of Kyiv hills, and thus has got its name. In the 60ies of the Õ² century appeared the above-ground cells and the caves became the place for the dead monks’ dormition. Since the Õ²² century the Kyiv-Pechersk monastery as the most powerful and influencing in Kievan Rus, has been called Lavra. The word “Lavra” is of the Greek origin, and means bliss.
For the centuries it became the acknowledged spiritual and cultural center. Here worked known chroniclers, doctors, iconographers; in the beginning of the ÕVII century was founded the first in
Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra had close connections with many European countries. In its caves are buried representatives of the state, politic, military and religious elite of
Since
In the year 1988 here was reopened the Sviato-Uspenskiy (Assumption of the Holy Virgin) monastery. In its territory is located the residence of the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, the Theological academy and seminary.
In 1990 the architectural ensemble of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra preserve was included into the UNESCO World Heritage list.
In its territory are located Museum of books and printing of
In the center of Kyiv one has possibility to visit the most ancient memorials of the Via Regia route: the St Sophia cathedral, the Golden Gate, get acquainted with remains of the Desiatynna Church fundament, the architectural complexes of the Distant Caves (Dal’ni Pechery) and Close Caves (Blyzhni Pechery), historical and architectural memorials of the upper territory of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. Together with the Uspenskiy (Assumption of the Holy Virgin) Cathedral they were the witnesses of the early and late period of the Via Regia functioning.
Memorials referred to the late period of the Via Regia functioning also are of special interest.
The Andriivs’ka (St Andrew) church in the Andriivskyi Uzviz Street (the Andrew’s descent) is the memorial of the history, architecture and painting of the XVIII century of the world significance. It was built in the years 1747–1762 in the Baroque style by the projects of the prominent architect F.-B. Rastrelli. Perfection of the lines, clear proportions, fabulous harmony of the forms and surrounding landscapes made it total recognition and glory. Andriivs’ka (St Andrew) church is one of four Ukrainian memorials included into the catalogue “100 world miracles”, issued in
We go down the Andriivskyi Uzviz Street (the Andrew’s descent) which runs from the Volodymyrska and Desiatynna Streets to the Kontraktova Ploshcha (Square). The name “Kontraktova” appeared due to the fact, that just in this square the Kyiv merchants agreed their contracts. In turn this was conditioned by the Kontraktova Ploshcha localization nearby the Kyiv port, which was the main source of the various goods delivery.
The Andriivskyi Uzviz Street arose along the route which already in the epoch of Kievan Rus connected the Old Kyiv (Upper town, The Hill) arose along the route which already in the epoch of Kievan Rus connected the Old Kyiv (Upper town, The Hill) with Podil, and run between the Andriivska (Andrew’s) and Zamkova (Castle) hills. Now this museum-street is one of the most interesting see sights of the city. One can see the “Richard’s the Lion Heart” Castle, the “Turbins” – Bulgakovs’ house, museum of one street, to buy souvenirs of the artists and ethnic native masters, visit art galleries, art salons and shops.
You should take the metro and get the “Petrivka” station. Than take the trolley or bus and go in direction of the
Kyrylivs’ka tserkva (the St Cyril church) is and outstanding monument of the sacral architecture of the world significance. It was of significant importance in the religious, politic and cultural life of the medieval Kyiv, its role was reflected in both history and in monumental complex of the temple. Appearance of this unique construction, the fortress-church was conditioned by period of the feudal formation, which was characterized by the internal wars in Kievan Rus, particularly by the dynastic opposition of the Monomach and Oleg dynasties. Appearance of the St Cyril Church is connected with activity of the latter.
Further let’s go to the center of the Ukrainian nature, architecture and life “Mamayeva Sloboda”. Its 98 objects are situated in the territory more than
Kyiv – Radomyshl’ – Korostyshiv
Those who depart from Kyiv and those who started acquaintance with the historical corridor Via Regia from its western part, are suggested to take a rest in the neighboring villages along the Ì 06 route, within
Now we have moved from the Kyiv to Zhytomyr oblast’. To the left from the route Ò 1028 at the distance
Now we return to the route and go to the town Radomyshl’. At the first traffic light turn to the left. Along the Shchorsa Street reach the historical-cultural complex reach the historical-cultural complex “Zamok Radomysl’”.
The gem of the historical route Via Regia is the “Radomysl’ Castle”. This in a marvelous historical-cultural complex, where natural landscapes are reserved and authentic interiors of the XVI²–XIX centuries are renovated. It is situated in the territory of the ancient town Mykgorod, on the bank of the
Magnificent landscape park, waterfalls, cozy islands, connected by the stone bridges, natural healing springs, rare plants, fishes and animals give unsurpassed feeling of harmony with environment. Among trees, in the glades nearby the comfortable foothill of the castle live stony guards – sculptures of the XVII–XIX century. The only modern sculpture in this collection is a
In the historical-cultural complex “Zamok Radomysl’” the museum is organized of the Ukrainian home icons and antiquities. Its exposition — “Soul of
In museum-castle there are exhibition halls, cells, refectory hall, and the concert hall with unique acoustic and alive spring. The ceremonial hall, where the solemn events are carried out, will impress you by its refinement and elegance. When you go up 158 stairs to the highest tower of the castle, you can observe the breathtaking scenery and the heart-shape island, ring the bell and guess at the future.
Tourists can have a rest in the castle cells, full of freshness and comfort. Here one can seclude and devote himself to meditations, relax with family far from the worldly vanity, discover harmony.
A night in the museum castle will made an unforgettable impression on travelers. And breakfast, launch or dinner in the refectory hall will complement these unique feelings. Aromas of the medicinal herbs, light smell of smoke and dishes, cooked on the open fire will add medieval charm to the castle dining hall, which can accept up to 80 guests. Big castle stove, sixty-liter boiler, thirty-liter samovar enable to cook both tasty dinner for the family and royal banquet for the friends.
“Zamok Radomysl’” is a fairy tale embodied in life. Here You can order excursion, meal, or carry out workshop, master-class, conference, art exhibition, festival, organize individual holidays, family rest, visit concert of classic and modern music, relax in the open air.
Korostyshiv – Novograd-Volyns’kiy
Zhytomyr (population in 2010 – 284 thousand inhabitants, 50°15′16″ N, 28°39′28″ E). Year 884, cited in some reference books, has no confirmation in the historical sources, for the first time the town was mentioned in 1392. Zhytomyr has got the
Sightseeing of the historical center of Zhytomyr will take some hours, though its historical-cultural objects date from the last stage of the Via Regia functioning. Not far from the city center – the Soborna square – is situated restored seminary Roman Catholic Church of the St Joan of Duklia (4 Kyivska street). The Bernardines’ monastery functions along with the church. The St Sophia Cathedral (2 Zamkova square) is also situated in the center of the old Zhytomyr – at the opposite side of the Soborna square. Close by, in the elegant white-blue bishop’s palace is located the museum of the regional ethnography (1 Zamkova square, open ). The Bernardines’ monastery functions along with the church. The St Sophia Cathedral (2 Zamkova square) is also situated in the center of the old Zhytomyr – at the opposite side of the Soborna square. Close by, in the elegant white-blue bishop’s palace is located the museum of the regional ethnography (1 Zamkova square, open 10.00 to 17.00, day-off: Sat, Mon, tel./fax: +38 0412 47 49 24, 47 49 22, e-mail: kraymuz_zt@ukr.net, http:// kraymuz.zt.ua). The St Sophia cathedral was constructed over the years 1737–1751 in two styles – the late Renaissance and Baroque. The bell-tower is above
From the Soborna square one can note cupolas of the Orthodox Transfiguration Cathedral church (1866–1874; 12/14 Peremogy square). There is one more Cathedral church in Zhytomyr: St Michael church with massive blue cupolas is located in 18 Kyivs’ka street. It was built at the expenses of the merchant Mykhaylo Khabotin in the Õ²Õ century. The Zhytomyr’s symbol — the brick water tower (built in 1897, 24 Pushkins’ka street) is located not far from the Philharmonic Society and the city park. The civil housing of the Õ²Õ century in the quarters around the water tower is quite interesting.
The modest two-storied Empire building with the head moldings over the windows is a former Zhytomyr town hall (magistrate, the XVIII century, 3 Kafedral’na str.). Building was significantly ruined over the World War II and was restored in 1951.
Not far from the city center, in the dormitory area on the Bank of the Teteriv River is situated small “Domashniy hotel” (Home hotel): 50°14'36.02'' N, 28°38'4.24'' E, 4 Pioners’kykh Taboriv str. tel. +38 097 228 27 56, +38 063 897 96 51, e-mail: hotelzt@mail.ru, http://hotelzt.at.ua.
Novograd-Volynskiy (population in 2010 – 56.3 thousand inhabitants; 50°35′00″ N, 27°37′13″ E). The annalistic Zviagil’, renamed in 1795. For the first time it was mentioned in 1257. One of the oldest points along the V³à Regia. Over 1648–1649 it was the center of the Zviagil’ Cossack regiment; over 1649–1667 – the squadron town of the Kyiv regiment. Over 1797–1804 – center of the Volyn’ gubernia, over 1804–1924 – the district center of the Volyn’ gubernia. Since 1937 – center of district of the Zhytomyr oblast’.
Novograd-Volynskiy for a long time was named “Zviagel”, and seems not got accustomed to its new name. In 1502 Zviagel’ was granted to the Prince Konstantin Ostroz’kiy, who already in 1507 has built a castle in this town. This castle for more than a century protected the town from the nomads, but did not withstand the force of the Cossack squads in 1648. Nowadays only fragments of the basement and walls remained of the former stronghold. Only in the time of independent
The town was glorified by tender Larisa Kosach-Kwitka, who was born here in 1871 and came into Ukrainian literature as Lesya Ukrainka. In the house of the Kosachs, where
In the 1850ies the Kyiv–Brest road runs through the town. Since that times small waiting house remained nearby the modern autobus terminal. In the beginning of the ÕÕ century in the town settled small German colony. Since that times remained some houses, among them the priest’s house on the Soborna street (1904), brewery (1908), local hospital (1900), watermill.
Novograd-Volynskiy – Korets’ – Goshcha – Ostrog
Soon the road will pass the border between the Zhytomyr and Rivne oblasts – and one can see the Korets’ town.
Korets’ (population in 2010 – 8.6 thousand inhabitants, 50°37′02″ N, 27°09′39″ E). For the first time was mentioned in 1150 as Korchesk. Important point along the V³à Regia. the capital of the Korets’ appanage principality (until 1651). The volost’ center of Novograd-Volynskiy povit of the Volyn’ gubernia (1804–1924). The rayon center of the Rivne oblast in 1940–1962 and since 1966.
It is quite easy to orient oneself in the town: on the right hand is the Orthodox Trinity nunnery (56 Kyivs’ka street, tel. +38 03651 2 15 55). Even in our days nuns work in the gold-embroidery shop. Behind the temple is a modest monument on the grave of the Anna Andro (Olenina, 1808–1880), to whom Alexander Pushkin devoted his words: “I loved you once: perhaps that love has yet To die down thoroughly within my soul...». The Poet’s muse in the evening of her life took the veil in the Korets’ nunnery.
On the right hand there is one more waiting house of the station. Similar neogothic windows one can observe in the Novograd-Volynskiy (there are some similar old stations – waiting houses on this road).
You should also visit remains of the brick castle of the Princes’ Koretsky (XV-XVIII century) located on the bank the Korchyk River, and the St Anton Roman Catholic church 1533 – they are located on the left side of the road..
In the suburbs of the Korets there are two villages – Kharalug and Zaliznytsia, where the kharalug swords were produced, which were mentioned in “The Lay of Igor's Warfare” – the only swords in the Central-Eastern Europe made of the local bog ore.
In
Further we will take the Ò 1807 road in the south direction to the ancient town Ostrog.
Ostrog (in 2010 – 14.8 thousand inhabitants, 50°19′44″N, 26°30′51″E). Firstly mentioned in 1100. The capital of the appanage Ostrog principality (until 1340–1569). Center of the Ostrog rayon (since 1940), town of the oblast’ significance (since 1995). One of the most ancient and significant points along the Via Regia. In 1576 the first Academia in the
Ostrog — the significant educational center of the XVI–XVII century, its history is closely connected with the life of the Ostrog Princes, the printing pioneer Ivan Fedorov (just here he printed his masterpiece “The Ostrog Bible”), the proud beauty Galyshka Ostroz’ka. Since 1981 numerous memorials of the town architecture are unified into the National historical-cultural reserve (3 Academichna str., tel./fax +38 03654 2 26 56, e-mail: dikzo@ukr.net). It is easy to find them in the town center, nearby the hotel, in the park there is a magnificent Uspenskiy (Annunciation) Cathedral (XV–XIX century, the Ostrog Princes’ street, 50°19'40.26''N, 26°31'16.32''E), and nearby — the Castle of the Ostrog Princes’ (XIV–XIX century, 5 Zamkova street), the pearl of the ancient Rus fortification art on the low Sudova hill. The massive “
In
Our route goes through the village Derman’, firstly mentioned in 1322, and since 1499 the Derman monastery is mentioned (until now only remains of its fortifications) its estate in 1575–1576 was managed by the printing pioneer Ivan Fedorov. In 1602–1605 in the monastery the printing shop functioned, ruled by Demyan Nalyvayko, brother of Severyn Nalyvayko. In 1833 at the monastery the Derman’ religious school was opened, which functioned until
Ostrog – Zdolbuniv – Rivne – Olyka
At least — the oblast’ center, Rivne town.
Rivne (in 2010 – 249 thousand inhabitant, 50°37′11″N, 26°15′5″E). The first mention in 1283 cited in some reference books is quite doubtful, the first reliable mention – in 1434, the
The town is not rich in the architectural memorials, including objects connected with Via Regia. Remains of the
From Rivne we should go to the north-west along the Í 22 route to Klevan’.
Klevan’ (in 2010 – 8 thousand inhabitants, 50°44′45″N, 26°00′47″E). For the first time was mentioned in 1458. The capital of the Klevan’ principality – appanage of the Chartoryiski principality (about 1460–1569). Significant point along the V³à Regia.
Klevan’ existed already in the Õ²² century, at that time it was called Kolyvan’. The locality is pointed by nature itself – high right bank slopes upon the
The constant rival of Klevan’ – Olyka – is hidden from the busy roads. To the town leads the road, paved by the hexagonal cobblestone even in the times of the Princes Radzivills, old owners of Olyka. Here begins the Volyn’ oblast’.
Olyka (in 2010 – 3.3 thousand inhabitants, 50°43′14″N, 25°49′00″E ). For the first time was mentioned in 1149, the
The polish "Tygodnik Ilustriwany" (“Illustrated Diary”) in 1856 enthusiastically described the the gateway to Olyka from the side of Rivne: “...the marvelous cathedral, castle and the city hall, white church, everywhere cozy houses of townsfolk, decorated by orchards, silver surfaces of the calm ponds, hills and meandering rivers between them make the beautiful view”. Nowadays the mentioned city hall is not remained, and houses of the modern townsfolk do not gladden one’s eyes, however there are some sights to see in Olyka. But you should be ready – the Radzivills’ castle (1558) now is the building of the Volyn’ mental hospital. Tourists are welcome, so you can look round the three-stored palace and other buildings. The gateway and two of four bastions of the castle are preserved.
Nearby the still visible moats and banks of the castle there is the grand St Trinity Roman catholic church, built over 1635–1640 by project of the well-known architects Benedetto Molly and Jiovanni Maliverno. The cathedral is pompously decorated by sculptures of the saints (Voytsekh, Stanislav, Peter and Paul) and fretwork made by the L’viv sculptor Melchior Ampelli. The gateway to Olyka is still guarded by the
Our route runs to the Luts’k.
Olyka – Luts’k – Dubno
Luts’k (in 2010 – 209 thousand inhabitants, 50°44′52″ N, 25°19′28″ E ). For the first time was mentioned in 1085 the
The town stood in the crossroads of many trade routs, and thus was quite tolerant to all its inhabitants. Complex of the Renaissance St Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church with the Jesuits monastery (1639, 6 Kafedral’na street) with interesting many-level undergrounds gently stands nearby the refined Lutheran church (1 Luterans’ka street): in the beginning of the ÕÕ century in
In the Volyn’ Museum of the local natural history and ethnography (20 Shopena Street) is exposed and clarified the whole history of the town. The Art Museum in the
Do you like avant-garde art? The art-gallery “Kraynia khata” proposes masterpieces of modern artists (Lesi Ukrainky Street).
Dubno – Brody
The highway Ì 19 leads from Luts’k to Dubno, glorified by Mykola Gogol’. The annual rock-festival in Dubno is named after the Gogol’s hero Taras Bul’ba.
Dubno (in 2010 – 39 thousand inhabitants, 50°23′35″ N, 25°44′06″ E ). For the first time was mentioned in 1100, the
The main memorial of Dubno is the castle of the Ostrog Princes (1492). Both the King of Sweden Karl Õ²² and his rival Peter the Great were astonished by power of the Dubno fortresses. Over all its history the castle was never captured by enemies in attack. Complex consists of the over-the-gate building, palace of the Lubomyrski Princes (ancient molding is preserved in the interior), bastions, small tower “Beatka” and barracks. Functions museum, souvenir shop and café.
Among other important memorials is the massive Luts’k Gate (XV–XVI century; 68 Danyla Galyts’kogo street). In the center is located the former Bernardine Roman Catholic Church (XVII century), now St Nicholas church. Also preserved are the St Transfiguration church (XVIII century), Synagogue (XVI–XVII century), Carmelites’ monastery (XVIII century.), St George church (XVIII century), St Elijah Church (beginning of the ÕÕ century).
In some kilometers to the south, nearby village Tarakaniv, in the picturesque locality upon the
Brody (in 2010 – 23 thousand inhabitants, 50°04′41″ N, 25°09′15″E). Firstly mentioned in 1084, the
To see all memorials of Brody You should go to the town center.
The market is always the main place in the rayon centers in
The two-storied building in the fortress territory is a palace of the magnates Potocki, their family possessed Brody since 1704. Nowadays the building seems somewhat sadly, however in former there were significantly more bright time: the estate was visited by the Polish Kings Vladyslav IV, Jan Kasymir, Jan ²²² Sobeski, the Austrian Emperor Josef ²². Some investigators consider this fortress to be located in the central part of the ancient Kievan Rus castle.
Not far from the market is located one more defensive building of Brody – the stone foursquare synagogue of the Mauritanian style (built in 1742, 12 Gonchars’ka street), which was constructed on the place of more ancient synagogue. Its state distresses which was constructed on the place of more ancient synagogue. Its state distresses.
However other architectural sites of the town can gladden: St Yura (George) Cathedral (XVI–XVII century, 11 Poshtova street), defencive Church of our Lady (1600, 14 Ivana Franka street), the Renaissance Roman Catholic church reconstructed into the Greek Catholic church of Exaltation of the Cross (1594, 9 Vasylia Stusa street). Building along the Zolota (Golden) street and the “fachverk” – timber framing clock pavilion in the Maydan Svobody (Freedom Square) not far from the Praga Bank (1911) also are of special interest. In the town outskirts nearby the stadium there is the wooden
In
Brody – Pidgirtsi – Oles’ko – Bus’k
After Brody do not pass the left turn after village Yaseniv – this is the way to one of the most beautiful castles of
Pidgirtsi, former Plisnens’k (49°56′08″ N, 24°59′05″ E) firstly mentioned in
It is easy to orient in Pidgirtsi – near the road arises the Baroque Church-Burial with stony saints in the frontage (1752–1763), in the opposite side – two figures on the columns and souvenir shops. The black smoked ceramics “Gavarechchyna” is worth your attention.
The modest iron gate leads to the Pidgorets’kiy castle. Do not pass the long building under the figured roof (on the right side) – this is the ancient hostelry, where stayed Honore de Balzak on his trip to Verkhivnia, to his future wife Evelina Ganska.
The French-style luxury palace, surrounded by bastions, has been built over the years 1635–1640 by order of the Grand Crown Hetman Stanislaw Konietspolski. Service buildings created the square yard with the terrace, able to be used with defensive aim. Three sides of the palace are surrounded by the dry moat, and in the north side, faced to the valley, it has beautiful terrace with balustrade. The way to the residence passes through the big stone gates, generously decorated by sculptures.
In one kilometer southward from the Pidgoretski castle, on the right from the route to Zolochiv town, is located an impressive settlement of the annalistic Ancient-Rus town of
The Piggorets’kiy castle: 49°56′3516″ N, 24°59′00.64″ E. The archeological memorial “Plisnens’ke settlement” – affiliate of the L’viv art gallery: village Pidgirtsi, tel. +38 067 929 31 60.
Then you should return to the L’viv road. At once the bronze horses will jump from the trees – the monument to the Kovpak’s cavalry (1975) guards approaches to the Oles’ko castle (Kovpak was a partisans’ general of the World War II). The Oles’ko castle as a fairy mirage appears on the right on the lonely hill.
Oles’ko (in 2010 – 2 thousand inhabitants, 49°57′47″ N, 24°53′38″ E). Firstly mentioned in 1327.
Visit to Oles’ko is worth at least some hours, to see the Oles’ko castle with the excellent museum and park full of sculptures, the Capucine monastery in the foot of the castle hill, the Roman Catholic Church and Synagogue in the town, also there is the reconstructed city hall, the Greek Catholic church.
To get the Oles’ko castle one should turn right in the center of the town (near the St Trinity Church). The Castle stands in the lonely hill about
The fortress was mentioned in the written sources since 1327. At the time of its foundation the castle was an oval-shaped stony reinforcement. Later it was turned into the magnate estate. Here were built the gate tower, the chapel, some residential buildings, the well was dug and equipped. Over the ages the fortress suffered many times: attacks of the Tatars, fires, the earthbreak. In the 1970ies the castle was reconstructed from the almost total ruins by the Hero of Ukraine B.G. Voznyts’kiy.
The present Oles’ko castle (reconstructed and renovated) was formed mainly in the XVI–XVI²² century. It comprised architectural-plastic motives of the Renaissance and Baroque styles. The Castle includes two half-oval two-stored buildings, made of stones and bricks, and the castle yard and the gate tower between them. Nowadays the Oles’ko castle is an affiliation of the L’viv art gallery.
The Oles’ko castle: 49°57'47"N, 24°53'38"E, tel./fax: +38 032 64 2 51 93. Open from 9-00 to 17-00 (on Sunday from 11-00 to 16-30), day off – Monday.
In the castle is open the stylish medieval restaurant “Grydnytsia”: tel. +38 067 671 13 03, +38 032 242 38 50, +38 03 264 2 52 64, e-mail:yara@ua.fm, http://www.grydnycia.lviv.ua.
Near the Roman Catholic church in the center of village is located café “Liubar”: tel. :+38 032 64 2 50 53, +38 098 074 20 20, å-mail: julia_hermanyuk@mail.ru.
Later we visit Bus’k (in 2010 – 8.7 thousand inhabitants, 49°58′06″ N, 24°36′30″ N ). For the first time mentioned in 1097, the
Bus’k is a town with many historical memorials, most of them are situated in the center of the town: the city hall (the newest in Ukraine, built in 1999 on the place of the povit court building), St Stanislaw Roman Catholic Church (1768–1779), palace of the Miers and Badeni (built in 1810, 12 Petrushevycha street), Synagogue in the Rynok Square (1842–1843) with well preserved interior, ancient Jewish cemetery-kirkut in the outskirts Lypyboky. There are two more wooden churches in the Bus’k outskirts – St Paraskeva Praxedi Church (1708) in the Dovga Storona outskirt (56a Shashkevycha street) and St Onufrius (XVIII century) in the Voliany outskiry, it is situated in the crater of the annalistic settlement.
Over the years 1539–1641 in Bus’k worked “papirnia” (paper-mill fabric) – one of the first in Galychyna. Just on the paper produced in Bus’k Ivan Fedorov printed his “The Ostrog Bible” (1581).
In Bus’k one can stay in the hotel “Oksana”: 49° 58' N, 24° 37' E, 2 Nezalezhnosti square, tel. +38 03264 2 12 37, +38 098 92 56 455, e-mail: pvtp.oksana@gmail.com.
Bus’k – L’viv
L’viv (in 2010 – 733 thousandinhabitants). Thecitywasfoundedbetweenthe years 1245–1256, theMagdeburgrightssince 1356 (somehistoriansconsiderthatthecharteroftheKingKazimir²²² was a special confirmation of the rights, granted to L’viv by Lev (Leo) Danylovych in the second half of the Õ²²² century). ThecapitaloftheGalych-Volyn’ state (the
Asspecialistsstate, in 1380 theKingLouisof
The Prince Lev (Leo), who is considered the founder of the city, was interested in the influx of the trades and artisans. Thus he stimulated immigration of colonists, attracted them by different privileges, including the
In L’viv remained many architectural memorials of international significance. We suggest visiting the most old of them, those corresponding to the period of the late Via Regia.
St Nicolas Church — architectural memorial of national significance, one of the most ancient temples of L’viv is located in 28 Bogdana Khmel’nyts’kogo street.
The
St Nicolas Church: 49°50′50.64″ N, 24°01′44.32″ E, tel. +38 032 235 82 74, +38 032 222 68 40, www.mykolaj.lviv.ua.
In the same Bogdana Khmel’nyts’kogo street one can visit the Monastery and St Onufrius Church, which are among the most ancient memorials of L’viv. Complex of the modern monastery comprises the church, monastery cells and the bell tower. By tradition in this place was patronal church and monastery, founded by the Prince Lev Danylovych, who was baptized as Onufrius, and particle of the St Onufrius relics was brought to Rus from Byzantine by his Grandmother, Princess Euphrosinia-Anna, daughter of the Byzantine emperor Isaak ²² Angel. In 1518 at the expenses of the Prince Kostantyn Ivanovych Ostroz’kiy instead of the old wooden church construction was started of two stone churches – St Onufrius and St Trinity Churches. They were adjoining; however in fact there were two different temples. The construction was finished in 1550, already when reigned Kostantyn Kostantynovych Ostroz’kiy, who renovated the monastery in 1585.
The first monastery bell-tower and gate was built in 1554, and in 1681 the wooden superstructure was made. The building was known to have defensive significance; there were some cannons on it. The modern existing bell tower was built in 1820.
At the monastery functioned the school, hospital, archive library and museum. The monastery was open until 1946, and then it was liquidated. Rooms of the monastery were used by the Museum of ethnography and in 1977 the Ivan Fedorovs’ museum was organized. It is known, that in
In 1989 the monastery was returned to the monks of the Basilian order of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, and museum was replaced to the building of the Potocki palace. Now it is named Museum of the ancient Ukrainian book art.
The Monastery and St Onufrius Church: 49°50′57.83″ N, 24°01′43.74″ E, 36 Bogdana Khmel’nyts’kogo street, tel. +38 097 25 40 790, +38 032 297 55 85, e-mail: osbm@sc.net.ua.
In the center of the city, in the Stariy Rynok square is located one of the most ancient temples of L’viv – St John the Baptist Church. The temple was built in 1250ies (according to other sources – in 1270) by the Prince Lev for his wife Constance – daughter of the Hungarian King Bela IV, she was a Catholic. Investigators still discuss what temple preceded this – Orthodox or Armenian.
The first written mention on the temple dated from 1371, when the Rus captain (monitor) Jan granted the St John Church and the St Basil monastery the village Gorovytsia nearby L’viv.
In 1800 the temple was burnt away and was some times renovated. In 1886 it was radically reconstructed, at this it lost all ancient features and has got appearance of the Pseudo-Roman chapel of the XIX century.
In1989 the temple was restored one more time in order to give it initial appearance. So, the Neo-Roman style is reminded only by the façade of the building. In
St John the
Church of Mother of God Unwearying Help was founded by the German commune. For the first time was mentioned in 1344. In XIV-XV century L’viv was surrounded by the protective bank. The temple remained beyond the city boundaries and was surrounded by its own wall.
Over the years 1888–1892 the building was reconstructed according to the project of Julian Zakharevych. The wooden vaulting was replaced by the stony; the building was supported by “plebania” – the priest’s house with low tower and its own entrance, the fence from the
Itisrecommendedtovisitthefollowshistoricalandarchitecturalmemorials, referredtotheancientandlateperiodsoffunctioningoftheViaRegia net.
The Latin Cathedral was founded in the end Õ²V century according to the Peter Shtekher project. Actually this is an active Roman Catholic cathedral.
The Armenian Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary. It was built in the years 1370–1390 according to the Dorin’s project; in 1527 was reconstructed in the Renaissance style. In 1570 Petro Krasovskyi has built the bell tower. The building contains the sepulchral plate of the Catholicos Stephan (1550ies), reliefs “St Thomas Unfaithful”, “St Sophia with daughters” (the end of the XVII century), the St Christopher column (1726). After restoration in the beginning of the ÕÕ century the cupola was decorated by mosaic according to the Yu. Megoffer project and interior was painted by Ya. Rozen.
The Rynok Square of the Renaissance style, however lower storeys, remained after the L’viv fire of the year 1527 are mainly Gothic.
Bandinelli House (Palace), of the Florentine merchant, Roberto Bandinelli who in 1629 improved the post business in L’viv (¹ 2).
Famous “Chorna kamenytsia” (Black townhouse) (¹ 4) was built in the years 1588–1589. Now here is the Historical museum.
The
The Princes’
House of the Dalmatian merchant Antonin Masari (¹ 14).
The most ancient house in the square was built in 1530ies (¹ 16).
The
House of the town consul Wolfgang Shultz (¹ 23) with sculptural group “Baptizing” and sculpture of Fortuna.
The second building of the Historical museum (¹ 24) was built in the end of the XVI century, in the beginning of the XX century was reconstructed in the Modern style.
Fontaine sculptures Neptune, Diana, Amphitrite and Adonis by G. Vitver (Õ²Õ century).
The city hall of the Biedermeier style was built in the years 1827–1835.
The
Korniakt’s tower – the bell tower of the church was built by Peter of Barbona in the years 1568–1570. This is one of the significant L’viv buildings, which forms its appearance. In 1617 the top was renovated after the fire. In the end of the XVIII century it was reconstructed by Petro Beber and was crowned by the Baroque helmet.
The Campians’ Chapel was built in the years 1595–1619 near the Latin Cathedral in the North-Italian Renaissance style.
The Boims’ Chapel was built in the years 1609–1617 near the Latin Cathedral. It was luxury decorated by sculptures by Ganash Schultz, Andrew Bemer and Jogannes Pfister.
The Bernardine Roman Catholic Church and monastery were built in the years 1600–1630 by Paul Rymlianyn and Ambrosium Prykhylniy. The Church tower is
The Jesuits church was built in the years 1610–1630 by example of the
The Roman Catholic Church of St Mary Magdalene nearby the L’viv Polytechnica was built in the years 1615–1630 by Jan Godniy and Albert Kelar; the towers were reconstructed in 1870. Now here is an organ concert hall.
The Roman Catholic Church of St Laser was built in the years 1620-1640 by Ambrosium Prykhylniy and Jacob Bonie (now – in the Kopernika street). Also remained the town well with attached bas-reliefs in the wall of the monastery fence.
City arsenal was built in 1555. Till now remained the part of the city moat. In the Arsenal there is a museum of the medieval arms. One can make a picture in the knight’s armor or uniforms and arms of the XVIII–XX century.
Royal arsenal was built in 1639–1646. Nearby there is a monument to the pioneer printer Ivan Fedorov, on the opposite side – the
The Seniavski’s Arsenal was built in 1639 nearby Roman Catholic Church of St Mary Magdalene by the artillery general Pavlo Grodzinskiy. Now it is an Art cabinet of the V. Stefanyk Scientific library.
Church of the St Paraskeva Praxedi in the
St Nicolas Roman Catholic Church (in the Mykhayla Grushevskogo street, nearby the old building of University of the middle of the Õ²Õ century), was built in the years 1739–1745 by Franz Placyda. The altar by the Sholz–Wolfovychs is made of the black marmour and light alabaster (1595).
The Dominican’s Roman Catholic Church Lviv was built in the years 1748–1764 by Martin Urbanick in the place of the ancient Dominican monastery, which was founded here according tradition in the end of the Õ²²² century/
The cathedral of the St Yura (George) was built in the years 1746–1759 by Bernard Meretini and Josef Pinzel in the place of the ancient monastery and cathedral, known since the Õ²²² century.
National museum named after Andrew Sheptyts’kiy is one of the most significant museums of Ukraine, the treasury of memorials of national culture and art of the world level. The Museum was founded in 1905 by the Galych Mitropolite Andrew Sheptyts’kiy. Actually the museum is one of the biggest centers of preservation, investigation and popularization of attainment of the Ukrainian religious-art heritage. Its fund collections store about 160 thousand units. The museum possesses the world most complete and numerous collection of the Ukrainian sacral art of the Õ²²–ÕV²²² centuries, which presents various sides of the Ukrainian artistic culture.
AmongthemainmemorialsofL’vivthereisalsotheLychakivcemetery, wheremanyoutstandingpeopleofL’vivofthe Õ²Õ-ÕÕ century are buried; there are many artistic sculptural headstones. In the cemetery there is the military grave of the Ukrainian and Polish soldiers, who dead over the Ukrainian-Polish war of the years 1918–1919. The Glory Hill is the military grave of the Russian and Soviet soldiers of the World was I and World War II.
Museum ofthenativenationalarchitectureandmodeoflifecollectednativechurchesandbuildingsoftheXVII–XIXcentury with things of the everyday life and cloths: L’viv, Chernecha Street, tel. +38 032 243 78 23, +38 032 247 18, 82, e-mail: museumlviv@gmail.com, http://www.skansen.lviv.ua/
L’viv –Sambir
Now we will continue our trip along the historical routes of the ViaRegia. We will take the road to Sambir, full of interesting things. Just in
In
Intheparkonleftsideoftheroad, intheterritoryofthechildrenboarding school it is possibly to look out the palace of the Barons Brunyts’ki, constructed in the place of the ancient castle. One should orient by two the Greek Catholic churches along the road – the big new one and small wooden St Nicolas (1854). Also in Lubin Velykiy there is the interesting Roman Catholic Church – also near the road. It seems as ancient, but from historical point of view its quite young (was built in the years 1930–1932).
Then on our route there is the town Rudky (in 2010 – 5.7 thousand inhabitants, 49°39′10″ N, 23°29′13″ E). Inthecenterofthetown opposite to the autobus terminal there is the town hall (end of the Õ²Õ century, 1a Vidrodzhennia Square– it is still used it was intended for – here is the office of the local council), further one can note the beautiful Baroque-style Roman Catholic church (1728). IntheneighboringvillageVyshnia (formernameBen’kovaVyshnia, 1.8 thousandinhabitants, 49°40′36″ N, 23°28′59″ E) remainedestate of the prominent Polish play writer Aleksandr Fredr. In the recent time the palace (built in 1835) is restored and the museum is organized.
Atleastthe multicolor Sambir (in 2010 – 36.6 thousandinhabitants, 49°31′20″ N, 23°11′49″ E).Firstlymentionedin 1241, the
Alongthemassivebuilding of the former court there is the way to the Rynok Square. On the right on the hill there is the defensive St John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church(built in the years 1530–1568). A little tip – the entrance to the church now is through the west side. The pearl of the square is the town hall (XVII–Õ²Õ century). It is possible to rise on its balcony – you should only inform the watchman about your desire to look at the town by the bird’s eye. Nearby the town hall there is the nice green park with benches. On the square there is the monument to the Taras Shevchenko and Sculpture of Our Lady. In one block behind the
Atthedistanceof
Sambir – OldSambir – Dobromyl’ – Nyzhankovychi
The road leads from Sambir westward, to the Carpathian foothills. The village Stara Sil’ (1.2 thousandinhabitants, 49°29′22″ N, 22°57′56″ E) is the very interesting village. Here one can overlook the St Michael Roman Catholic Church (1660), the eclectic villa “Anna” (1911), the wooden Paraskeva Praxedi (1440) and Resurrection (1460) churches. In village there is the café “Millenium” (nearby the Roman Catholic Church).
On right from the road, somewhere on the other bank of the Strviazh River there are some villages: Skelivka (former town Fel’shtyn) with defensive RomanCatholicChurch, Murovane (previously town Liashky Murovani) with the Baroque-style temple and remains of the castle – these country was immortalized by Jaroslav Hashek in his famous novel “Adventures of the brave soldier Schveik”. Thus, in Skelivka the stony Schweik salutes tourists and local people in the center of village.
ThenwepassthetownKhyriv (4 thousandinhabitants, 49°31′51″ N, 22°51′12″ E) — onemoreplacefromtheJaroslavHashek’snovel (the map with routes of the good soldier over this country is not far from the Khyriv railway station). In Khyriv it is worth to look out the temples of the
VeryclosetoKhyrivthereisDobromyl’ (in 2010 – 5 thousandinhabitants, 49°34′14″ N, 22°47′22″ E). Firstlymentionedin 1374, the
Dobromyl’ isthemostmystictownoftheUkrainianCarpathians. Recentlyatoncetwointerestingnovelswerepublishedaboutthe Dobromyl’ town – “Tamdevin” byGalynaVdovychenkoand “ServantfromDobromyl’” by Galyna Pagutiak. Both novels mentioned the Dobromyl’castle, thefamily nest of the magnates Gerburts (over the years 1584–1614). Werecommendgettingtothecastlenotfromthetown, but from the neighboring village Tarnava – this way is shorter by some kilometers. Attention! It is easy to get lost in the mountains, so do not hesitate to ask about the direction. At the foothill of the neighboring to the castle mountain there is the Basilian St Onuphrius monastery (built in the years 1705–1751). Inthecenterofthetownthere isthetownhallwiththeAdamMitskevichbustandTransfigurationRomanCatholicChurch(XVIcentury).
Finally the last Ukrainian settlement and the state border. Nyzhankovychi(in 2010 – 2 thousand inhabitants, 49°40′49″ N, 22°48′21″ E ). First mention inó 1377, the
Nyzhankovychi is a special “island’, but not in the ocean, but in the far west of
Allmemorialsofthevillagearelocated close, so it will not take much time to observe them. At first it will be the Trinity RomanCatholicChurch(XVI² century), then the town hall (Õ²Õ century) – before the World War II the modest one-storey building with the dare-vane on the roof was used as magistrate and firehouse. In the Soviet period it sheltered different offices – fireguard, ambulance, diesel power station and pharmacy – all these were located in the building. In the 1960ies the building was reconstructed as hostel of the local professional-technical college. The valuable memorial of the village – the defensive
In the south part of the town village there is the old Jewish cemetery (the Synagogue did not survive in the World War II), and the elegant lordly estate of the beginning of the XX century serves as one of the buildings of the local professional-technical college.
