Hoshcha is an urban-type settlement on the Horyn River, 33 km from Rivne, and the center of the Hoshcha hromada in Rivne Raion. Until 2020, it was a raion center. Hoshcha is one of the oldest settlements in Rivne Region, and in the 17th century, schools famous throughout Volhynia operated here.
From Chronicles to Magdeburg Rights
The first written mention of Hoshcha in chronicles dates back to 1152. According to legend, the Grand Dukes of Lithuania granted lands along the Horyn between Korets and Ostroh to the baptized Tatar murza Kyrdey-Khan, from whom the Kerdey-Goysky family descended. In the 16th century, Hoshcha received Magdeburg rights. As late as the early 20th century, ramparts and the remains of an old castle were visible in the northern part of the settlement.
Schools of Hoshcha
In the early 17th century, a school of the Arian community operated here, managed by Havryil and Roman Goysky and financed by the Kyiv voivode Prince Kostiantyn Ostrozky. According to legend, in 1601–1603, the future Moscow pretender False Dmitry I studied there.
In the 17th century, Hoshcha belonged to the Solomyretsky princes. Princess Rehina Solomyretska founded St. Michael's Monastery on the condition that a school would operate attached to it. In 1639, a branch of the Kyiv-Mohyla Collegium from Vinnytsia was transferred here, where education was conducted "according to the order of Kyiv schools" — following the curriculum of the Kyiv collegium.
What to See
The 17th-century St. Michael's Church is the main landmark of the settlement. Hoshcha Park is one of two parks in Rivne Region with the status of a park and garden art landmark of national importance. It also features the 19th-century Valewski estate in the chalet style. On the outskirts lies a Kyivan Rus-era hillfort: in 2020, archaeologists discovered the 11th-century dwelling of a wealthy family here, containing jewelry, a wedding ring, and an amulet.
Nearby
Rivne is a 40-minute drive away, Ostrogh is a bit further south, and Korets with its castle is to the east. Both places can easily be combined with Hoshcha in a single day.
When to Visit
Hoshcha Park is at its most beautiful in spring and autumn. In summer, people swim and fish on the Horyn. Hoshcha is quiet, so there are few tourists here even in season, and you can leisurely explore the park, church, and estate in two hours.
One-Day Itinerary
Morning — Hoshcha with its park and St. Michael's Church; noon — Ostroh with its castle and academy; afternoon — Mezhyrich Monastery. In the evening, you can return to Rivne.
How to Get There
Buses run from Rivne, and by car it takes about 40 minutes. The nearest railway hub is Rivne.
