Walking through one of Ukraine’s oldest cities, Kamiyanets-Podilsky, a city on the Smotrych River in western Ukraine, to the north-east of Chernivtsi was an experience to be remembered. Simultaneously there was a feeling of awe, and comfort. Surrounded by history and beauty, we walked through a city and fortress full of mystery. 20th century Ukrainian poet Lesya Ukrayinka described it as the “stone flower on the rock”.

The date of the city’s foundation is attributed to the period of Kyivan Rus. Researchers have found remnants of dwellings and fortifications of the 11th and 12th centuries. Legend has it that the town-fortress was founded by four brothers belonging to the Grand Duke Olgerd clan of Lithuania, who came upon an enchanting river valley with a towering rock while on a deer hunt. So moved were they by the beauty of the place, they decided to build a town. But the true history of the town still remains a mystery.

History is remarkable. Exploring the places where history unfolded is extraordinary.