Zbarazh

Zbarazh is a historic city located in the Ternopil Oblast of western Ukraine. Situated along the Seret River, it serves as an administrative center for Zbarazh Raion (district). The city has a rich history dating back to the 14th century, with its origins tied to the medieval Kingdom of Galicia-Volhynia.

Zbarazh first appears in written records in 1390, when it was part of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Over the centuries, it became a significant cultural and economic hub, particularly during the 16th and 17th centuries. The city was known for its trade fairs, which attracted merchants from across Europe. Zbarazh was also a center of Polish-Lithuanian nobility, with many prominent families, including the Potocki and Sapieha clans, owning estates in the region.

The city’s architectural heritage includes several notable landmarks, such as the Zbarazh Castle, originally built in the 16th century and later reconstructed in the 17th. The castle was a key stronghold during the Khmelnytsky Uprising (1648–1657) and later became a symbol of Polish resistance against Russian expansion. Another significant structure is the Church of St. John the Baptist, a Baroque-style church built in the 17th century.

During the partitions of Poland in the late 18th century, Zbarazh came under Austrian rule as part of the Habsburg Empire. It remained under Austrian administration until the early 20th century, when it became part of the Second Polish Republic after World War I. Following the Soviet invasion of eastern Poland in 1939, Zbarazh was annexed by the USSR and later incorporated into the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic. Since Ukraine’s independence in 1991, the city has retained its status as an important regional center.

Today, Zbarazh is known for its preserved historic architecture, cultural heritage, and proximity to the Carpathian Mountains. The city hosts various festivals, including the annual Zbarazh Castle Festival, which celebrates local history and folklore. Its economy is primarily based on agriculture, light industry, and tourism.