Right in the center of Bila Tserkva, above the Ros River, rises Castle Hill (Zamkova Hora). This is where Yuriv once stood — an Old Rus city founded by Prince Yaroslav the Wise, which became the predecessor of modern Bila Tserkva. The hill fort, covering an area of about two hectares, is an archaeological landmark, and the top of the hill offers one of the best views of the city.

Hill fort of the chronicled Yuriv on Castle Hill
Hill fort of the chronicled Yuriv on Castle Hill. Photo: Sarapulov, CC BY-SA 4.0

The City of Yuriy-Yaroslav

The city was called Yuriv, or Gyurgev, in honor of the Christian name of Prince Yaroslav — George, or Yuriy. Yaroslav founded it in 1032 as a fortress of the Ros defense line, which protected Kyiv from nomads. The first mention of Yuriv appears in the «Instruction» of Volodymyr Monomakh. The city repeatedly repelled attacks by the Polovtsians. It housed a bishopric tasked with converting the nomads who served the Kyiv princes to Christianity. Yuriv was last mentioned in the chronicle in 1231; presumably, shortly thereafter, the city was devastated by the Mongol invasion.

From Yuriv to Bila Tserkva

Bila Tserkva later grew on the site of ancient Yuriv. Castle Hill remained the center of the city: fortifications from Lithuanian and Polish times stood here, and today the Church of Saint John the Baptist and the Church of Saint George the Victorious are located here. The name of Saint Yuriy-George, after whom the ancient city was named, is still associated with this place.

Church of Saint John the Baptist on Castle Hill
Church of Saint John the Baptist on Castle Hill. Photo: Roman Naumov, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Ros flows at the foot of the hill, and the slopes are landscaped with viewing platforms offering views of the river, the old town, and the islands. In the evening, when the illumination is turned on, Castle Hill becomes one of the most beautiful places in Bila Tserkva.

How to Get There

Castle Hill is in the center of Bila Tserkva, near Sobornyi Square. It is easy to walk or take a marshrutka here from the bus station and railway station. Bila Tserkva is 80 km south of Kyiv along the highway to Odesa.

Tip

Climb the hill before sunset — that is when the Ros is best seen. Afterward, it is worth walking to the Old Post Office and heading to Oleksandriya Park.