Oct/25

Abandoned and Flooded Korostyshivsky Granite Quarry

No comments · Posted by Sergei Rzhevsky in Regions, Travel

Korostyshivsky quarry is a picturesque flooded granite quarry located on the outskirts of the town of Korostyshiv in Zhytomyr Oblast, about 30 km east of Zhytomyr and 100 km west of Kyiv.

The landscape around the quarry is unusual, the shore is covered with spruces and birches, which resembles Karelia (Russia). The height of the rocks reaches about 10 m, the depth of the artificial lake is up to 20 m. This place has become a popular object of industrial tourism and a natural landmark. Korostyshiv Quarry on Google Maps. Photos by: Igor Golovach.

Development of the Korostyshiv granite deposit began in the 1850s. By the 1890s, Korostyshiv became known as a center for stone mining and processing.

In 1930, under the supervision of architect A.V. Shchusev, a 60-ton black labradorite monolith was produced in the Korostyshiv quarry for the construction of the Lenin Mausoleum.

After World War II, building stone extracted from the quarry was used, among other things, to rebuild the devastated city of Kyiv.

In 1953, a granite factory was established at the quarry, specializing in the production of facing slabs and architectural construction products. In 1972, the factory produced over 26,000 square meters of polished slabs.

Overall, during the Soviet era, the quarry was one of the largest enterprises in the town of Korostyshiv.

Later, in independent Ukraine, granite mining ceased, and the quarry was flooded. The quarry is now an artificial lake.

In summer, the water warms up to a comfortable temperature, creating ideal conditions for swimming. Cozy picnic spots are located nearby, where you can relax, cook on the grill, and spend time with family or friends in the fresh air.