Attractions of Smotrych

In 1362, the Lithuanian prince Olherd liberated Podillya as a result of the victory over the Tatars near Zhovti Vody. He transferred the administration of the region to the sons of his brother Koriat.

The Lithuanian chronicle shows that the Koriatovych brothers rebuilt a castle over the Smotrych River and built a fortress on a rock, which is still called "Koriatovych Fortress". Probably, the new owners of Podillya rebuilt the city after the Tatars destroyed it in 1240. Tatars burned the city several times and later.

During the War of Liberation, it was captured by the Cossacks, and the Smotrych castle was finally destroyed. Since then, a network of complex and confusing underground passages, as well as an ancient church, remained on the site of the stronghold.

The church of Saint Nicholas of the Dominican monastery in Smotrych has been known since 1375, when the city was owned by the Lithuanian princes Koriatovych.

It was originally made of wood and was located in the center of Smotrych Castle. As a result of numerous Tatar raids, the church was destroyed. Construction of the stone temple began in 1786 with the support of the Potocki family. In 1821, the construction was completed, and in 1837 the temple was consecrated as the Church of Saint Nicholas.

In 1935, it was closed by the Soviet authorities. Restored in 1990 by the efforts of Father Vanags and handed over to the Passionist Fathers.