Svitiaz

Lake Svitiaz is the largest of the three dozen lakes of the Shatsky National Nature Park. This is the deepest karst lake in Ukraine (maximum depth - 58.4 meters).

Lake Svitiaz is fed by artesian springs. Its water is crystal clear and soft, which is due to the natural self-cleaning system. It contains silver, glycerin and some minerals, thanks to which it is considered healing.

In the middle of the lake there is an extremely picturesque wooded island, which is connected with the legend of the castle that disappeared under the waters of the lake.

Along the shores of the lake there are many mini-hotels, recreation centers and car camping sites. In the windless season, the water warms up quickly, so parents and children like to relax here. Active recreation is organized on site: horseback riding and hiking, excursions to the island with fishing and soup cooking.

The main delicacy of Svitiaz is local eel, which is especially recommended to be tasted in smoked form.

The Shatsky National Natural Park is included in the list of UNESCO biosphere reserves, which is part of the transboundary reserve "Western Polissya" as the Shatsky Biosphere Reserve.

It covers a large protected area in the north-west of Ukraine, on the border with Poland and Belarus. There are more than 30 lakes with a total area of about 70 square kilometers. The largest of them are Svityaz, Pulemetske, Lyutsymer, Krymne. Between them are forests and swamps where rare birds nest. Of the 789 species of plants growing on the territory of the park, 32 are listed in the Red Book of Ukraine.

Many boarding houses and recreation centers are located along the shores of the lakes, there are many convenient places for car camping. Popular horseback riding and hiking along ecological routes, fishing on lakes, mushroom hunting.

The administration of the Shatsky National Nature Park is located in the village of Svitiaz, and the visitor center operates.

The Peter and Paul Church on the banks of the Svitiaz was founded in 1531 under the Sangushko princes.

From 1596 to 1796, the church was Greek Catholic.

After the fire of 1834, it was decided to build a new stone temple. Count Vladyslav Branytsky allocated the funds for the construction. In 1846, the Peter and Paul Church was consecrated.

The temple is based on a three-part scheme traditional for Ukraine, transformed under the influence of classicism into a central rotunda composition. The developed monumental dome subordinates all parts of the building, forming a silhouette characteristic of Volyn.

To the south of the church is an arched belfry topped by a triangular pediment.

During the Soviet rule, the Svitiaz church was not closed.

In 2001, the Pochaiv Icon of the Mother of God was installed in the church, the number of pilgrims increased, and in 2002, the Svitiaz Saint Peter and Paul Monastery was founded.