Horokhiv is a town in the south of Volyn, 50 km southwest of Lutsk, and the center of the Horokhiv hromada. It stands at an altitude of 275 meters above sea level, making it the highest town in the region. Horokhiv lies in the forest-steppe zone, at the intersection of the Lutsk — Lviv and Novovolynsk — Berestechko roads, and is one of the oldest settlements in Volyn.
Svidrigaılo, the Olizars, and the Sanguszkos
The first written mention of Horokhiv dates back to 1450, although some authors associate it with the chronicle year of 1240. In the first half of the 15th century, Horokhiv belonged to the Grand Duke of Lithuania, Svidrigaılo. In 1450, King Casimir IV Jagiellon granted it to the nobleman Olizar Shilovych for his service to Svidrigaılo. In 1487, the town passed to the Sanguszko-Koshyrsky princes.
On July 26, 1600, Hryhorii Sanguszko-Koshyrsky granted Horokhiv Magdeburg rights, and in 1601 they were confirmed by King Sigismund III at the Sejm in Warsaw. Later, a castle-museum was built in the town park, which housed ancient white marble sculptures — Hercules, Perseus, Cupid, and Psyche by Canova, the only ones of their kind in Poland at the time. Horokhiv was famous for its fairs, and local furriers, shoemakers, and tailors sold their goods far beyond the borders of Volyn.
What to See
Horokhiv Park is a monument of garden and park art with long alleys and old trees, located on the site of a former estate. Nearby is another old park, "Sydorukiv". On the rolling southwestern outskirts, there is a memorial complex with the Hill of Glory.
The town is home to the district folk history museum, established in 1967 and renovated in 2006. A 3 km walking route through the town has been developed, and tourist car routes to Berestechko and Pliasheva pass through Horokhiv.
Horokhiv on Video
Nearby
Berestechko is 30 km to the south, followed by the Cossack Graves in Pliasheva. More can be found in the article Lutsk Raion.
Day Itinerary
Morning — Horokhiv: parks, museum, and a walking route through the town. Noon — Berestechko with the Trinity Church and the old synagogue. Afternoon — the "Cossack Graves" memorial in Pliasheva, where it is worth spending two hours. In the evening, you can return to Lutsk or travel to Dubno.
When to Visit
The Horokhiv region is a forest-steppe area with fields and orchards, and it is at its most beautiful in May, when everything is in bloom, and in September. It is hotter here in summer than in the Polissian north of Volyn, so it is best to plan your trip for the morning.
How to Get There
From Lutsk — by bus, about an hour. The nearest Horokhiv railway station is 9 km from the town.
