Traveling around the city that became the capital of Ukraine three times

Rivne covers only 63 square kilometers. But this seemingly small area is home to many tourist attractions. Among them are dozens of squares, lakes, hydroparks, and architectural masterpieces. So there is plenty to see here.

Find out where to go below!

Rivne: a brief history

The first mention of a settlement in this area dates back to 1283. At that time, the settlement was part of the Galicia-Volyn principality. After that, nothing was written about it for a long period.

The name of the town began to appear in documents regularly in the XV century. Since then, the fortified settlement changed owners and passed from hand to hand until it became Ukrainian.

By the way, Rivne was proclaimed the capital three times. You rarely hear about this, but it is true. The first time it happened was when Simon Petliura left Kyiv under Bolshevik pressure. The second time was in the same turbulent years, by the decision of Ataman Oskilko. The third time was during the Nazi occupation.

Swan Lake Park

At the intersection of Drahomanova and Zamkova streets, in the heart of the city, there is a picturesque park area that is loved by locals and tourists alike.

This area used to belong to the princely Lubomirski family. Their estate was located here. Unfortunately, during the First World War, the architectural monument was damaged. So much so that it was not subject to any restoration. The landscaping was restored after the end of hostilities. Then the island in the center was resuscitated, and a pair of white and black swans were introduced to the pond.

Today it is one of the most popular recreation areas in Rivne.

Alley of forged figures

Not far from the previous location, there is an equally interesting place that is ideal for hiking. The first sculpture appeared here in 2012, when the city organized the Metal Heart of Ukraine blacksmithing festival. The tradition has taken root. Before the war, a similar event was held here every year. And every time Rivne received a symbolic gift.

All the figures placed here have a deep philosophical context. Each of them calls for a rethinking of life values. You will agree that in today's realities this is very important.

Amber Museum

Not so long ago, people from all over the country came to Rivne to find semiprecious stones. Fortunately, the "fever" has passed, but the locals still remember those times.

Even if you have never been interested in these events, you should still visit the exhibition hall. There are many exhibits here. Some of them are over 40 million years old. There is also jewelry here. The pride of the museum is a disk amulet and specimens with crystallized insects.

Mysterious dungeons

Another Rivne location that deserves your attention. These passages appeared due to a number of circumstances. The city used to be home to the palace of the Lubomirski princes. But during World War II, it was hit by a shell. The complex burned down, and only ruins remained of the choirs.

When the Soviet regime came to power, the remains of the castle were covered with construction debris and asphalted. The "dungeons" were found only in 2016, when the asphalt near the fountain in Shevchenko Park collapsed.

Nowadays, there are guided tours, as well as a quest room and VR games.

Organ Hall

The room is located in the church of St. Anthony, which was built in 1899. At one time, the shrine was abused by the Communists. During their rule, the church did not accept believers and functioned as a movie theater. Fortunately, after Ukraine gained its independence, everything returned to its place.

Important! In times of war, the hall is open from 13:00 to 18:00.

Holy Dormition Church

This is another tourist attraction worth visiting. It is the oldest building in the city. It was built in 1756.

Compared to other shrines, the church is quite small and somewhat lost against their background. It has only one dome. The facade is painted in sky blue, and the territory is fenced with a modest fence. The bell tower and the authentic "chain of moral principles" have been preserved here, to which sinful believers were chained to publicly atone for their sins.

By the way, according to legend, Ivan Honta, the leader of the Haidamak movement, prayed in the church.

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