Radomyshl is one of the most interesting towns in Zhytomyr region, known not only for its popular beer brand but also for a unique historical landmark — the Radomyshl Castle, built on the site of an ancient paper mill. Today, it is the center of the urban community in Zhytomyr district; according to the 2001 census, it had a population of 15,326 residents.
History of the town
The town is located amid the enchanting landscapes of Polissia, where the rivers Teteriv and Myka merge, surrounded by water bodies, granite outcrops, and picturesque nature that has long attracted people. Archaeologists have found traces of settlements here dating back over 30,000 years, and in the 7th century these lands belonged to the Drevlians tribe. The first written mention of the town under the name Mychesk (from the river Myka) dates back to 1150. From the 16th century, the settlement was called Radomyshl, and since 1946 — Radomyshl.
The paper mill that became a fortress
In 1612, monks of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra led by Archimandrite Yelysei Pletenetsky founded in Radomyshl the first paper mill in Central Ukraine, powered by waterfalls. At that time, there were only two such enterprises — in Lviv and Ostroh. Some researchers date the beginning of the paper mill to 1606–1612.
The building combined industrial purpose with defensive functions: thick walls (1.5 m), a water perimeter, a natural granite foundation, and an underground spring made the paper mill almost impregnable. It was here that strong paper made from flax and nettle was produced, which was then transported by water to the Lavra printing house to create the first book in Kyiv — the “Chasoslov”. The route ran along the rivers: Myka, Teteriv, and Dnipro.
From decline to revival
During the Cossack wars of the 17th century, the paper mill was destroyed, and at the end of the 19th century, a brick mill was built on its basis. It operated for almost nine decades until it turned into an abandoned ruin and a dump — the building stood neglected for nearly 20 years.
Everything changed in 2007 when the philanthropist couple Sheremetev-Bohomolets purchased the building and began a large-scale reconstruction. More than 60 KAMAZ trucks of garbage were removed, walls and roofs were restored, the banks of the Myka were reinforced, a park was created, sculptures were installed, and a tower was added. On this site, the Ethnopark “Radomyshl Paper Mill” emerged, known today as the Radomyshl Castle. The historical and cultural complex opened to visitors in 2011.
Household Icon Museum and Unique Halls
Inside the castle, an atmosphere of the 18th–19th centuries has been created: antique chests, jugs, woven products, wrought items, and household objects transport visitors to the past.
Particularly impressive are:
- The refectory hall with a collection of irons and historic maps;
- The concert hall with exceptional acoustics and a natural spring — the only one of its kind in the world; the spring has been preserved since the paper mill times;
- The ritual hall, where wedding ceremonies are held among ancient icons.
The castle’s highlight is the Household Icon Museum, created based on the long-term collection of Olha Bohomolets. Household icons are a special type of folk art that did not adhere to strict church canons. The images have smiling, kind faces, decorated with flowers or ornaments. The museum features over 5000 exhibits — carved, painted on glass, carved in wood or stone, wedding icons, Cossack reliquaries, and other rarities.
The museum director Viktor Moskaleț explains this feature simply: Ukrainians were not afraid of God — they loved Him. Among the exhibits are metal icons, wedding images, and woven amphorae.
Radomysl Today
Radomysl Castle has become one of the most famous tourist attractions of Zhytomyr region, and Radomysl itself is an important point on the map of cultural and historical journeys in Polissia.
More details about the castle and its collection can be found in the article Radomysl Castle, and winter photos in the article “Radomysl Castle in Winter”.
How to Get There
Radomysl lies on the Kyiv — Zhytomyr highway: about 70 km from Zhytomyr, about 100 km from Kyiv. The castle stands in the city on the bank of the Myka River.
Source: Ukraine Incognita
