Stryi

Stryi is the ancient town of Lviv region, founded in the 14th century. I’ve been there many times, and therefore I share my impressions of all trips.

What is memorable? Streets, monuments, temples. And friendly Stryi citizens either. Once I asked a woman how to get to the bus stop. She did not tell, but went with me. I was embarrassed, because she had to go in the opposite direction. And she lead me almost to a halt “so that I did not feel uncomfortable in an unknown town”. My fellow-treveler turned out to be a mother of five children, who learn very successful, are the winners and the laureates of various competitions, championships. She works as a school teacher, loves her profession. I think that her pupils are very lucky.

Many houses have retained their unique architectural style and are historical monuments.

To learn more about the town, I visited “Verkhovyna”, the Museum of Local History with abundant collection of exhibits. The museum is located in a historic building of 19th century.

A monument to our national poets such as Taras Shevchenko, Ivan Franko, Lesia Ukrainka is called “Awakeners” and is set on an area where there is always lots of people.

There is a Market Square. The town received the Magdeburg Law in the 15th century. The monument to Soviet soldiers of WWII is in the center of the square.

Town authorities are here.

Behind City Hall I discovered a memorial to the Fighters for freedom of Ukraine, which includes a museum of history of Stryi prison, sculpture and sorrow wall. During the Stalinist regime Ukrainian patriots were tortured and killed here. In 1990-th excavations were carried out, the remains of the victims were found, but the exact number is impossible to determine.

It is a pity, that a small area is reserved for garbage near this tragic place, almost on the bones of the victims of political prisoners. This is quite unacceptable!

Next to a dump there is one remarkable and seemingly very plain house. If it were not for the plaque, noone would not know that it belonged to O. Bobikevich, public figure, poet, priest. I talked to a woman who lived in this house. She told me about the ascetic, his talent, read the beautiful poetry. The poet Ivan Franko, Metropolitan Sheptytsky, writer Karpenko-Kariy were here. There is a hope to create a museum here.

Stryi is a large railway junction, which links Ukraine with Europe.

But there is no bus station. Buses and passengers are crowded at Railway Square. In town direction public transport stops near the market, where not everything is arranged well, and it doesn’t look good for a large regional center.

A park, named after Taras Shevchenko, is founded in the late 18th century and occupies 20 hectares. Some trees are 100 — 150 years old.

Such a large household requires constant care. This green terrain looks a bit neglected. There are no equipped playgrounds, attractions. But there is a monument to the poet, after whom the park is named.

I also encountered such monuments.

There are several temples.

One can find many plaques in honor of outstanding people of Stryi.

Several educational institutions propose various professions. I noticed that a lot of attention to the cultural and aesthetic education of youth is paid for. The town has a School of Arts, a School of Music and an exhibition hall. Students demonstrate the skills of art school, opening an exhibition of their works.

Even the water tower has a very pretty sight, though it was so difficult to approach to make out and photograph.

I like Stryi, a town with a great historical past and large potential, a town of youth, a town of labor. It made pleasant impressions on me and I share them with you.