Kovel city, Ukraine

The city of Volyn oblast.

Kovel overview

Kovel (Kowel) is a city located in Volyn region of Ukraine, northwest of Lutsk.

Population - 69,200 (2014).

Area code - +380 3352; postal code - 45000.

Kovel city flag

Kovel city coat of arms

Kovel city map location

Kovel history

The history of the town began in the early 9th century, when there was an ancient Russian settlement there. In 1518, Polish king Sigizmund I allowed prince Vasily Sangushek to found a town from the settlement Kovle and granted it the Magdeburg law.

In 1543, the town was governed by Kovel monitors who organized its services and amenities, supervised royal income and were judges.

In the 18th century, it was an important handicraft and trade center in Volyn. After Poland was divided for the third time, Kovel became a district town of the Russian Empire.

More Historical Facts…

The second half of the 19th century was characterized by rapid economic growth of the town. The reform of 1861 promoted new growth.

The first railway Kiev-Brest via Kovel was constructed in 1873, industry was developed, population grew several times. It became the third important town in Volyn gubernia after Zhitomir and Rivne.

In 1907, a new railway station was constructed by the famous architect Alexander Verbitsky. Several store houses were built. Some of them are still preserved in the center.

In the early 20th century, several hotels were built. In Kovel, there was a tobacco plant, a wine store-house, a printing house, a book store, a railway policlinic, schools and a gymnasium. Also, there were five churches.

Kovel views

Kovel architecture

Author: Richard Frances

Kovel city architecture

Author: Richard Frances

Kovel railway station

Author: Lada Stupina

Kovel features

Kovel City Day is celebrated on July, 6. In 2010, the city turned 700.

Average temperatures: in summer – 18,7 degrees Celsius above zero, in winter – 3,4 degrees C below zero.

The regional center Lutsk is 75 km away, the boundary with Poland – 60 km.

Kovel city area occupies advantageous place, it is located at the crossroads of European trade ways.

The area is crossed by the shortest ways between Kiev, Warsaw and Berlin and this fact promotes international cooperation and acquiring the status of a trans-European “bridge” in developing inter-state and foreign trade relations.