Ukraine: Korets
Next oblast – Rivne. The first town worthy of exploration here is Korets, founded in 1150. It was fortified in the 14-15th centuries under Prince Ostrogski of the Great Duchy of Lithuania when the massive Korets Castle was built on top of the hill in the center of town with panoramic views over the river below and further out over flat countryside. From the castle, you can also see ruined Resurrection Monastery, the Church of St. Antony (1533, rebuilt 1706) and Trinity Church (1620). Further out in town is a huge fortified and gated Holy Trinity Women’s Monastery dating to 1500.