In the Olyka village there are several interesting objects, such as the castle and the Radziwill family Collegial Church of Holy Trinity. The castle is now used as a mental hospital, and the church is in dreadful condition, but nevertheless worship services are still held there. From the outside the church looks great from any angle.
At the time of our visit in 2008 there was no renovation inside the church, so it was possible to get inside only if the priest was there at the time of visit.
Collegial Church of the Holy Trinity ©Yuriy Buriak
Collegial Church of the Holy Trinity ©Yuriy Buriak
Collegial Church of the Holy Trinity ©Yuriy Buriak
Inside the church ©Yuriy Buriak
The Radziwill Castle doesn't look like a castle, and the condition of the outside walls leaves much to be desired. During the Soviet era it was used as a mental hospital (and now too). The construction was completed in 1564 by Prince Nicholas Radziwill the Black. In 1640, the castle was reconstructed. It participated in many battles and survived. It's possible to visit the territory of the castle (hospital).
Radziwill Castle, now mental hospital ©Yuriy Buriak
Getting there: 32 km from Rivne, 44 km from Lutsk. Accordingly, Olyka can be reached by bus either from Rivne or from Lutsk. If the bus doesn't go directly to Olyka, then you will stop near the turn to the village. The distance to the village will be about 8 km, so you'll need to catch a car. There are direct buses, but they go not so often as the transport between Rivne and Lutsk. There is an hourly bus from Olyka to Lutsk (the bus stop is close to the castle, near the blue church).
