The Ukrainian nation has existed for thousands of years, as evidenced by ancient settlements and their extraordinary history. One of them is the Stilske settlement in Prykarpattia, the centre of the principality of White Croatia, which existed before the heyday of Kyivan Rus. Learn about the history and legends, interesting places and ancient customs of Stilske settlement

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The Stilske settlement, a unique complex of rocks and caves, combines Christian and pagan cultures. The settlement is located in the Mykolaiv district of Lviv region between the villages of Stilsko, Iliv and Dubrova. More than a thousand and a half years ago, white Croats lived here - back when Kyiv was being founded. Find out more about the origin and purpose of the Stilske settlement, its legends and interesting locations nearby in a new article on the Visit Ukraine portal.

Where does the Stilske settlement and its name come from?

The name ‘Stilske’ consists of two elements: ‘stil’ and “sk”: while the first part indicates the shape of the rocks, the second is defined by researchers as a sign of the name of the settlement. Thus, an established nation lived here, with its traditions, customs, culture, and beliefs. This confirms the thousand-year history of the Ukrainian nation.

According to the research of Ukrainian historians, this was the centre of White Croatia. However, this is a controversial issue: for example, Mykhailo Hrushevsky denied the existence of this people and principality.

The Stilske settlement itself was built around the 6th century A.D. The Byzantine Emperor Constantine Porphyrogenitus first mentioned the White Croats and their centre of princely power in his book On the Administration of the Empire.

The settlement had been a strong fortification for centuries - this is mentioned in the chronicles of Kyivan Rus (in particular, three times in the Tale of Bygone Years). At that time, its area was more than 250 hectares, and the length of the ramparts and walls was up to 10 km (at one time it was bigger than Kyiv!). The remains of the eastern rampart can still be seen today, especially in late autumn when the leaves have fallen from the trees.

There are no reliable facts about the destruction of the settlement, but locals tell a legend that the city fell as a result of enemy treachery: a secret garrison had deceitfully entered the city. The people who survived settled nearby and formed a settlement - they were the distant ancestors of the modern residents of Stilske.

Did the ancient people live in the dungeons of Stilske?

Archaeologists have repeatedly found underground tunnels and temples of various faiths - Christian and pagan - under the Stilske settlement. The construction of the tunnels is quite interesting, suggesting the existence of construction technologies unknown today. In addition, it is possible that there were special tunnel organs that broadcast sounds in the right direction (there is some information about them in written sources).

This leads us to legends about the wise and powerful Rakhman people who once lived here but were forced to go underground and settle there. Whether it is true or not is up to historians to decide, and visitors can enjoy the extraordinary, mysterious, primitive culture of the semi-legendary Carpathian people.

What locations are popular near the Stilske settlement?

1. Pryima Grotto.

A little-known but extremely valuable grotto for archaeologists in Ukraine and Europe is located near the city of Mykolaiv, Lviv region. It was here that the second Neanderthal settlement in Ukraine and the remains of ancient people were found in 2004.

2. Bandera rocks.

The location is located just a few hundred metres from the Pryima Grotto and is remembered by the locals for the activities of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army. Here you can visit the rebel hideout and touch the history that was happening right before your eyes.

3. Austrian pillbox

The remains of the Austrian fortifications around Mykolaiv attract fans of fortifications. There were observation and adjustment points for Austrian artillery. Currently, only fragments of the fortifications remain, which only increases their historical and tourist appeal.

4. The Valley of Wild Tulips

The Wild Tulip Valley opens its doors at the end of April, when the brightest spring tulips begin to bloom. The tulips here are listed in the Red Book of Ukraine as a rare species. By the way, the valley is also a witness to the creation of history - it has been here for more than a thousand years.

5. Ethnographic Museum in Stilsko

The ethnographic museum is located in the school building and has 460 exhibits. Here you can learn about the history of the region - see a map of the White Croats' settlement, photographs of excavations, a collection of antiquities and tools of the ancient people.

Museum opening hours:

Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 17:00

Saturday-Sunday - by prior arrangement.

Ticket prices:

5 UAH - for adults;

3 UAH - for students and children.

How to get to the Stilske settlement?

From Lviv:

1. Use the services of the bus station in Lviv at 109 Stryiska Street.

2. Then choose any route to the town of Mykolaiv.

3. In Mykolaiv, take the route Mykolaiv - Dubrova.

4. Get off near the village of Stilsko.

If you don't want to travel by bus, you can take the train Lviv - Lavochne at 8:50 a.m.

If you plan to travel by car, take the road E471/M06/E 471 in the direction Lviv - Chop. Before entering Mykolaiv, turn off at Trostianets and head towards the village of Stilske. After Stilske, take a dirt road to the village of Dubrova. Here you will find the attraction you are looking for.

From Kyiv:

From Kyiv, you need to go to Lviv, and from there - to Mykolaiv and Dubrova. There are many trains and buses between Kyiv and Lviv. You can choose the one that suits you and buy tickets here.

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Photo: Lviv Opillya NGO