Among the geographical names of Ukraine there are many reflected the depth of the essence of phenomena and events related to the area. Such is the town of Zhytomyr province Radomishl - one of the oldest in Ukraine, according to archaeologists, people lived here about 30,000 Years ago. It was remembered in the chronicles in 1150 from the XVI century - Radomysl, 1946 - Radomishl.
In ancient times
In 1612 the monks of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra under leadership of the Archimandrite Elisha Pletenecky founded in Radomysl first in central Ukraine factory for the manufacture of paper - a paper mill that used water power. It served also as the fortification. The wall thickness reached 1.5 m, from all sides it was surrounded by water, there was inside water underground source, natural foundation in the form of granite slabs, rising inland for several kilometers, made impossible any tunnel.
The local paper made from nettle and flax husk with the addition of onions and garlic, was strong and durable. This paper was delivered on the water path to the printing of Kiev-Pechersk Lavra. In the second half of the XVII century during the Cossack uprisings, the paper mill was destroyed. At the end of the XIX century on the ruins of the factory-fortress it was built a red brick mill. It worked intermittently for about 90 years, then was stopped and fell.
In our time,
In 2007, the remains of the mill were bought by spouses Ukrainian patrons and collectors Sheremetyevo-Bohomolets (Olga Bohomolets is a famous doctor in the fifth generation, a public figure, a bard, etc.). For three years it was made a huge amount of work: it was removed the garbage enough to fill 60 (!) KAMAZ tracks, there were replaced ceilings, roof and windows, it was completed tower, a system of canals with bridges, an artificial island in the shape of the heart (it can be seen from the upper floors of the tower), it was planted the park, there were installed sculptures etc. – it was created a historical and cultural complex "The Castle Radomysl". Today the castle is a majestic architectural construction area of 2500 sq.m. with interiors XVII-XIX centuries. According to the owners, all necessary for the restoration of the elements was created manually by old technology. Spiers are crowned with flags with the emblem of Bogomolets who for centuries have lived in the region. The newlyweds, who are now married in a castle-planted a tree on the island and then look after it.
The castle houses the Museum of the home icon (from the collection of the owners), a concert hall with a fireplace for 150 persons, a refectory, hotel rooms. Speaking of the hall, during dismantling of the ceiling in the technical room 6 m high, it was founded that the hall has a unique acoustics. Now the chamber concerts are carried out here. When trying to remove a portion of granite blocks on which construction was erected in the corner it was founded the spring of water. Gertrude frog lives there. Perhaps this is the only concert hall with the source. Under the roof of the tower with the staircase of about 200 spiral stairs, it was arranged a viewing platform and a hanging bell, his metallic voice, everyone who got on the top, can share their joy with the sky and people. Soon the paper mill will start to work with old recipes of the same components. Visitors will be able to make their own paper.
Currently
The uniqueness of the complex is not only in the amount of work done and the successful adaptation of abandoned buildings. Unique is the Museum of Ukrainian home icons, which has no analogues in the world. The collection includes hundreds of icons of XVI and XX centuries from almost all regions of the country.
The icons were created and stored in families. They were painted by the masters who often did not have church canons of iconography. Depicted faces expressed living emotion, often similar to the household. The guides tell that Ukrainians do not fear God, and loved it. It is one thing - not to sin out of fear of God's punishment, quite another - to live in righteousness, in love for Him. Icons are often decorated with hand drawn flowers and sometimes formal attire. There is a museum of the image, carved in stone or wood, painted on wood or glass, carved in metal. There are icons wedding, Cossack arks, those that traveled in which the midwife cut the umbilical cord of babies and many others.
"The Castle" Radomysl ", together with the objects of Lviv, Lutsk, Rivne and Kiev, is included in the tourist route" Great cultural route of the Council of Europe. " It is good here at any time of the year. Therefore, if you choose, where to pass a weekend – remember Radomishl - place where the soul rejoice.
N.Vdovenko