The village of Lypky lies approximately 15 kilometres north of the urban-type settlement of Popilnia, on the Kryvianka River, and is part of the Popilnia settlement hromada of Zhytomyr Raion. This is a small but historically rich village: according to the 2001 census, it had a population of 648, and the first written mention dates back to April 17, 1618.
Owners of Lypky
Historian and local lore researcher Lavrentii Pohylevych detailed the change of ownership of Lypky in the 19th century. Around 1800, the village passed from the landowner Voronetskyi to Morshkovskyi — according to legend, as a result of losing a card game.
After Morshkovskyi's death until 1814, Lypky belonged to his daughter, Princess Jabłonowska, and from 1829 it passed to her sister, Princess Radziwiłł. The family's history has dramatic details: Prince Radziwiłł divorced his wife and married Morshkovskyi's younger sister. Under the imperial laws of the time, the estate remained in his possession, and in fact, in the ownership of his new wife.
The Pidhorskyis and Their Architectural Heritage
In 1850, Lypky were acquired by the Pidhorskyis, who also owned the village of Antoniv, where their family crypt in the form of a ziggurat stands.
The Pidhorskyis are known for their active construction activities. In the late 1880s, with the participation of German craftsmen, they built an unusual water mill in Lypky, which resembles a Gothic castle more than a farm building: towers, lancet windows, and massive walls give it the appearance of a romantic palace.
Today, the mill is in private ownership and is being restored, but the surrounding area is neglected and overgrown with weeds.
Remnants of the Estate and the Zemstvo School
From the Pidhorskyi estate, which stood on a rise above the mill, only the entrance gate and fragments of the brick fence have survived.
The village has also preserved a Zemstvo school from the early 20th century in the Art Nouveau style. It is likely that its construction was also financed by the Pidhorskyis, which once again emphasizes their influence on the development of the village.
How to Get There
It is convenient to travel to Lypky from Popilnia or from Zhytomyr via the Popilnia region; the nearest railway station is Skochyshche, about 2 km from the village.
Text and photos: Roman Malenkov, Serhii Shcherbiy.
Pidhorskyi Mill.
An archival photo provided by Ihor Dovbysh confirms that the mill previously looked just as it does now.
Estate gate.
Zemstvo school.
