«Cossack Graves» is a memorial complex and the St. George’s Monastery on Zhuravlykha Island in the village of Pliasheva in Rivne region. Here, on the battlefield of the 1651 Battle of Berestechko, Cossacks and peasants who died in battles with the Polish army are buried.
Battle of Berestechko
In the summer of 1651, near Berestechko, the army of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, supported by peasant rebels, and the army of King John II Casimir met. The total number of participants exceeded 300,000 — in terms of troop numbers, this was one of the largest battles in Europe until the end of the 19th century. The Cossacks suffered a defeat, and many of them died while retreating through the marshes of the Pliashivka River.
How the memorial was established
In June 1908, the first official commemoration of the fallen Cossacks took place on Zhuravlykha Island, and at that same time the idea to build a memorial church arose. The initiator was Archimandrite Vitaliy (Maxymenko) of the Pochayiv Lavra. Money was collected across the entire country — from peasants to merchants. In 1914, the largest grave in Ukraine for Cossacks and peasants who died in the battle was arranged here — thus the memorial complex began.
What to see
St. George’s Memorial Church, the crypt with the remains of the fallen, the battle museum, and the island amidst the Pliashivka floodplain. The place is quiet and touching — both pilgrims and those interested in history come here.
Tip
Allow at least two hours for the memorial. The monastery is active, so attire should be appropriate. In spring and autumn it is especially quiet here, and the Pliashivka floodplain around the island is very beautiful. In early summer, annual commemorations take place here, and then there are many people.
Zhuravlykha Island
The complex stands on Zhuravlykha Island amid the Pliashivka floodplain — right here, according to legend, the Cossacks made their final stand, covering the retreat of the army. Bridges lead to the island, and from it the battlefield is visible. The place is quiet and picturesque, especially in May when the meadows turn green.
How to get there
Pliasheva is 10 km from Berestechko and about 40 km from Dubno. It is most convenient by car.
