Attractions of Shestovytsia

The Shestovytsia archaeological complex is located on the right bank of the Desna River in the "Korovel" tract south of the Shestovytsia village.

It consists of the Shestovytsia Hillfort on the mountain, the foothills, and a burial mound with Scandinavian burials. Most of the complex dates back to the 10th century.

The historical name of this vanished city is unknown, as it is not mentioned in the annals. Presumably, there was a fortress here that protected the southwestern approaches to Chernihiv. The oval-shaped deposits were located on a high promontory formed by the Desna and marshy lowlands. The garrison of the fortress consisted of Varangian mercenaries (Vikings), who either served in the wife of the Chernihiv prince, or controlled Chernihiv on behalf of the Kiev prince. It is also likely that it was an independent Varangian trading colony.

Excavations have been underway since 1925. Archeologists of Ukraine and Norway have recognized the Shestovytsia hillfort as one of the largest Viking settlements in Europe.

Every year in the middle of June, the International Festival of Slavic-Varyaz culture and historical fencing "Korovel" takes place on the territory of the hillfort.