Lutsk is situated in a picturesque part of western Ukraine, among forests, lakes and orchards of Volhynia. It is one of the oldest Ukrainian cities. The earliest records about he town date from 1085. Ten years later Lutsk became the capital of a sovereign duchy.
In 1432 it was granted a town’s charter. It quickly turned into a regional centre and as early as in 1569 it was promoted to the rank of the capital of the voivodship of Volhynia. Lutsk was a melting pot of different cultures whose presence is reflected in the rich architecture of the Old Town, considered to be a national heritage. The city’s most valuable historic architecture is represented also by numerous churches, mainly the 14th century Pokrovsk Orthodox Church and the Vozdvizhensk Orthodox Church as well as the cathedral and Renaissance synagogue from the 17th century and the 14th century Lutsk Castle with a city gate. The city is developing the car, electrotechnical, food-processing and light industries. Its cultural life is centred around the University of Volhynia and numerous research institutes. Lutsk is a member of the Association of Ukrainian Cities and participates in the activities of the Cross-Border Association of the „Bug” Euro-region. It has sister cities in Germany, former Yugoslavia, Russia, Poland, Belarus, and China.
Main attractions/sights:
- Lubart’s castle
- the Brigidine Sisters convent
- Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral
- the Daughters of Charity convent
- Great Synagogue in Lutsk
- Lutheran Church in Lutsk
Typical dishes:
- dumplings
- kluski
- racuchy
- gryczanki – buckwheat cakes
- Ukrainian borscht
Festivals:
- “Polesia Summer with Folklore”
- International Festival of Ukrainian Folklore “Berehynia”
- International Festival “Na falach Świtezi” [“On the Svitiaz waves”]
- International Festival “Miecz zamku łuckiego” [Sword of the Lutsk Castle”]
Other:
- Museum of Volyn Icons
- Lesya Ukrainka Central Culture and Leisure Park
