Korosten city, Ukraine

Korosten overview

Korosten is a city located in Zhitomir oblast of Ukraine. The city is standing on the banks of Uzh river. Korosten is an important railway junction of the region. The name of the city is derived from ancient Slav language meaning “walls made of bark”.

Korosten city population is about 66,000 (2010).

The phone code is +380 4142; the postal code is 11500.

Korosten city flag

Korosten city coat of arms

Korosten city map location

Korosten history

Korosten was founded in 8th century. The original name of the settlement was Iskorosten (the city celebrated its 1300th birthday in 2005). Korosten was first time mentioned in 914 as the capital city of Slav tribe Drevlyany.

In 945 according to legend people of the city refused to pay enormous contribution to Kiev Rus state. They killed Kievan Rus prince Igor who came to Korosten to take it. Prince Igor’s wife Olga decided to take vengeance on Drevlyany tribe and Korosten was burnt to the ground in 945. From that time Korosten lands were the part of Kievan Rus state.

In 1240 Korosten settlement was destroyed by Mongol tribes. In 1370 Korosten was captured by the Great Kingdom of Lithuania, later it came under the control of Poland. In 1589 the settlement received the city status. From 1795 Korosten city was the part of Russian Empire.

Korosten city was again totally destroyed during World War II. And it was not the last disaster happened with this city. In 1986 Korosten city population suffered from radioactive contamination after explosion at Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant.

Plants of mining, processing, food, machine-building and chemical industries are working in present day Korosten.

Korosten attractions

Swimming-pool of princess Olga is the main natural place of interest in Korosten. It is located on the river Uzh in N.A.Ostrovsky park and has a number of beautiful granite rocks in relatively not deep river.

So called “Krasnaya gorka” is also a natural monument, there was an ancient settlement there.

In the city there is also a historical complex “Commander’s station “Skelya” (“Rock”). A military museum is formed on its base, samples of military machines are exhibited there.