The Kruhlyi Dvir Estate

Trostianets, a small and cosy town, is located in Sumy region in the north-east of Ukraine. It is a popular tourist place, as unique monuments of architecture are situated there. One of such places is the Kruhlyi Dvir.

Numerous tourist maps with local attractions on the stand-pointers won’t let you get lost in Trostianets. You will need a map of Prince Vasyliy Golitsyn Estate. The park is just in the centre of the city, where you can walk from the bus station.

In the park you will see the Kruhlyi Dvir, a unique building of Eastern Ukraine. The shape of the Kruhlyi Dvir resembles an ancient amphitheatre. However, the structure itself, since it was built in 1749, has been used as a defensive fortification from continual attacks of the Crimean Tatars. The Kruhlyi Dvir was engineered by architect Iosyf Nadarzhyns’kyi, a son of the tsar's confessor, Tymofiy Nadarzhyns’kyi. He designed the one-story castle of 60 meters wide and 80 meters long in the shape of an oval. The Kruhlyi Dvir has four three-tiered towers, similar in design to small rotundas. This complex is surrounded by the blind brick wall along the full length. Such Gothic elements as narrow lancet windows are constructed in two rows and separated by an embossed projection. On the east side of the Kruhlyi Dvir you will see the main gate through which you can get inside.

In the early 19th century, "the Ukrainian amphitheatre" with its surrounding territory came into the possession of Prince Vasyliy Golitsyn. At this point a new phase in the existence of the Kruhlyi Dvir started. The Prince has upgraded it, turning it into a building for theatrical performances. Inside, three-tiered boxes for spectators have been added, and down on the stage serf actors have played. Also, the towers inside have been equipped as living rooms for a theatre company. A variety of ballet and theatre performances have been put on the stage there. In addition, circus and equestrian acrobatic performances have been arranged too. Just try to pronounce some words, or read a poem inside the Kruhlyi Dvir and you will find that there is a wonderful acoustics, which amplifies the voice. Today the restored Kruhlyi Dvir is used for various cultural events and activities.

You are advised to visit the prince’s estate with a palace, which are added to the Golitsyn Theatre. In former times, great Russia composer Pyotr Tchaikovsky, an author of famous overture The Storm, lived and worked in Vasyliy Golitsyn Estate. An arboretum with several ponds, centuries-old oaks and mineral springs is laid out on the territory of the estate. You may notice there the alley of lovers with a monument to the heart as well.

You can get to Trostianets from the bus station of the city of Sumy by a regular bus. The road takes less than an hour. A trip to Trostianets will be unforgettable at any time of year.