Austro-Hungarian Tunnel Unearthed
Road construction on Independence Street in Stryi, Lviv Oblast, has revealed the entrance to a tunnel dating back to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. According to the Stryi City Council, clean water was flowing along the tunnel's floor, indicating its ancient origins. More than a century ago, the Mlynivka River once ran through this area, crossed by small bridges.
Urban explorers Andrii Ryshtun and Vlad Vergaz were invited by Deputy Mayor Mykhailo Zhuravchak to investigate the underground network. The tunnel lies roughly one meter beneath the road, with a total explored length of about 300 meters. Its construction materials include concrete, brick, and stone blocks. The diggers first moved against the current, then with it, eventually reaching the monument to Stepan Bandera, where they could only proceed on hands and knees.
Wall Collapse at Khotyn Fortress
Separately, a partial wall collapse has been reported at the Khotyn Fortress in Chernivtsi Oblast. In response, the team from the State Historical and Architectural Reserve 'Khotyn Fortress' and the State Emergency Service have restricted tourist access to the site.
The discovery of the Austro-Hungarian tunnel in Stryi during road repairs highlights the region's rich historical heritage and the need for its preservation. This finding could pave the way for further archaeological investigations, shedding light on local history. The wall collapse at Khotyn Fortress also underscores the importance of maintaining historical structures and ensuring visitor safety—a pressing issue for safeguarding Ukraine's cultural legacy.