Two earthwork fortifications with different layouts and a church with distinctive architectural features give Moshchanytsya a clear cultural and historical focus. The surviving remains of the two bastion-type earthwork fortifications are collectively known as “kozatski valy”. When comparing the fortifications, their locations in the town, their respective shapes and the surviving ramparts are particularly noteworthy. The 1935 Holy Trinity Church adds a different perspective on architectural forms.

Two Fortifications, Two Layouts

The first fortified site lies on the eastern edge of town, on a promontory bounded by two stream valleys. Its square layout and the surviving square bastions at the corners define the site’s overall form. The earth rampart survives on all four sides and rises 1.5 to 2 metres above the interior. The depth of the ditch also varies by side: it is up to 3.5 metres deep in the north and no more than 2 metres on the other sides. The layout, bastions, rampart and ditch thus provide different clues for distinguishing the shape and structural features of this site.

The second archaeological site lies in the northwestern part of the village, one kilometre from the square fortification site. Its pentagonal layout sets it apart from the first site. It measures 200 by 200 metres and is only partly preserved. The straight eastern section of the rampart is reported to be about 170 metres long and 2 to 2.5 metres high. These details give it a different profile from the first site: here, the focus is on the pentagonal layout and the measured eastern section of the rampart. The length is an approximate figure.

The Jesuit Order and the History of Defence

The fortifications are connected with the activities of the Jesuit Order. In 1627, Princess Anna-Aloiza Chodkiewicz (Ostrogska) granted the Order, among other properties, Moshchanytsya, following the establishment of a Jesuit college in Ostroh. The proceeds were intended to fund the construction and maintenance of the college. The fortifications also served to defend against enemies, particularly Tatars. Two themes thus come together in the town’s history: the military function of the fortifications and their connection with the history of the college in Ostroh.

A Distinctive Feature: The Holy Trinity Church

The 1935 Holy Trinity Church offers a different architectural focus. Its described features include an unusual kink in the central section, a uniquely shaped dome and paired vertical ribbon windows. These details relate to different aspects of the building: its articulation, the shape of the dome and the arrangement of the windows. Alongside the earthwork fortifications, this brings in a subject in religious architecture that can be explored through specific design features.

Choose Your Cultural Interests

The different focuses make it easy to shape your visit around your interests: the earthwork fortifications bring together layout, earth ramparts and the history of defence, while the church draws attention to the design of a religious building. Depending on your interests, you can focus more on military history or church architecture without conflating the two distinct subjects.

Discover more destinations: Braniv, Ostroh, Kozlyn, Rivne, Obariv, Birok, Samostrily, Babyn

See the regional travel guide: Rivne Oblast.