Sokolovskyi Quarry is one of the most striking locations in Zhytomyr. It is not a natural lake, but a former granite quarry on the northern outskirts of the city, near Kroshnia, that was flooded by groundwater. Thus, a huge stone bowl was formed, filled with clear cold water and surrounded by steep rocky shores.
The depth of the quarry is around 100 meters: divers who measured it with instruments report 99–104 m, while reference books sometimes cite "up to 110 m." It is one of the deepest flooded quarries in Ukraine.
How the Quarry Came to Be
Granite mining began here in 1936. Extraction was carried out on a large scale, involving blasting operations, which formed the characteristic stepped shape of the bowl.
One of the most interesting details is the spiral road that trucks used to haul granite to the surface. It looped around the quarry counterclockwise. Today, the road is entirely underwater and can only be seen by divers.
In the 1980s, mining ceased as groundwater began to flood the quarry. By 1993, water had filled the entire bowl, turning the industrial site into an unusual body of water.
Why It Is Interesting Today
Sokolovskyi Quarry is a magnet for lovers of unusual places:
- clear water — visibility is usually 8–10 m;
- a multi-level bottom with ledges;
- rocky outcrops and cliffs;
- submerged objects, including cars.
Since 1993, the quarry has been one of the main training sites for divers, attracting visitors not only from Zhytomyr, but also from Kyiv and other cities. Natural light underwater fades at about 35 m.
There is a popular legend about a submerged excavator supposedly left at the bottom. No diver has confirmed it yet.
Important Details to Know
Sokolovskyi Quarry is not an official recreational area: there is no designated beach, no buoys, and no lifeguards. Despite this, thousands of Zhytomyr residents come here in the summer. Unfortunately, litter is often left on the shores, requiring municipal services to clean it up periodically — please pack out your trash.
Things to consider:
- the water is very cold even in summer, especially at depth;
- 5–25 m from the shore, the bottom drops off steeply;
- the rocky cliffs are high, making jumping into the water dangerous;
- there is a shallow area with a gentle entry on the Kroshnia side, favored by families with children.
How to Get There
From Kyiv: by bus or personal car to Zhytomyr (about 140 km along the M-06 highway).
Within Zhytomyr: by minibus (marshrutka) No. 8 to the "Harazhnyi Kooperatyv" (Garage Cooperative) stop, then on foot. Taking a taxi or driving your own car is the most convenient option.
What Is Nearby
The quarry lies on the outskirts, so there is no tourist infrastructure nearby. This place is all about water, rocks, and an "out of town" atmosphere right within Zhytomyr itself.
Good to Know
- it is a flooded granite quarry, not a natural lake;
- the site is not equipped for safe swimming;
- it is popular among divers;
- it looks most impressive from above, off the rocks.
Sokolovskyi Quarry is an example of how an industrial site turned into one of the city's most beautiful locations. It might not be for everyone, but if you enjoy off-the-beaten-path spots, it is well worth a visit.
