Deterioration of the Stsibor-Rylskyi Estate
In the village of Brovky Pershi, located in the Zhytomyr region, the Stsibor-Rylskyi family estate continues to fall into ruin. This 19th-century manor once belonged to relatives of the renowned Ukrainian poet Maksym Rylskyi. Today, only remnants of columns, parts of the facade, and broken walls remain, highlighting the growing challenges in preserving the site. Ukraine is home to numerous historical estates facing similar threats due to neglect and lack of resources.
Historical Background of the Manor
The estate’s history dates back to 1834, when the village was owned by Dionizy-Kajetan Stsibor-Rylskyi, a cousin of Teodor Rylskyi, who was Maksym Rylskyi’s great-grandfather. During the 19th century, the Stsibor-Rylskyi family belonged to the Polish nobility of the Right-Bank Ukraine region. The manor took its final shape in the second half of the 19th century, featuring a main facade adorned with a portico of six columns and a triangular pediment.
Before the revolutionary upheavals of 1917–1918, the last owner of the palace was Oskar Stsibor-Rylskyi, who was married to Maria Ratsiborovska.
The estate’s decline began during the Soviet era. After nationalization, the building served as a school for various periods. Over time, its condition worsened significantly. About twenty years ago, the structure still had a roof, windows, and doors. Now, this historical landmark is steadily deteriorating due to a lack of systematic emergency stabilization and restoration efforts.
The historical landmark continues to decay because there are no systematic anti-emergency or restoration works. — Andriy Shvachko
Local history resources also report instances of the structure being scavenged for building materials and bricks, further exacerbating the situation. Researchers in the area have expressed alarm, stating that ‘if nothing changes, in a few years only scattered fragments of the walls will remain from the former palace.’
The plight of the Stsibor-Rylskyi estate reflects a broader crisis in preserving Ukraine’s architectural heritage, which demands urgent action. Insufficient funding and a lack of a systematic approach to restoration could lead to irreversible losses of cultural heritage. It is critical for relevant authorities and communities to prioritize the protection of such historical sites, as they form an essential part of national identity.