The city of Khmelnytskyi is today an important, vibrant Ukrainian centre. However, for centuries, during the time of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, it was known as 'Proskuriv' and belonged to the Crown. The place was often plagued by historical storms. However, despite historical turmoil and, in the 20th century, Communist devastation, it still harbours some Polish traces.

Proskuriv

Situated on a strategic trade route, the town changed owners and was often destroyed by Tatar and Cossack invasions. However, it always recovered, largely thanks to the Polish nobility and settlers. Cultural and religious influences intersected in Proskuriv, and our presence left its mark on the architecture, social structure and daily life.

St Anne's Church

The brick church was built in 1801 on the initiative and funds of Maciej Żurowski of the Leliwa coat of arms. It replaced the previous wooden church and was the pride of the local Catholic community for more than a century. Unfortunately, in 1936, as part of the anti-religious and anti-historical policy of the USSR, the building was demolished.

A similar fate befell the palace, the neo-Gothic chapel and the rococo gate that adorned the town at the beginning of the last century. Today, all that remains of them are memories and archive photographs.

The People's House

One of the few material testimonies of the Polish presence is the Dom Ludowy. Erected between 1927 and 1931 on the initiative and funds of the Polish community, this building was intended to serve as a centre for culture, education and social life. This act was linked to the desire to nurture national identity amidst a changing political reality.

After the Second World War, the building was taken over by the communist authorities, who changed its functions, and the Polish pedigree was pushed into oblivion. Nevertheless, its very physical presence is a silent witness to those times.

Activities of the contemporary Polish community

The real, most enduring Polish vestige in Khmelnitsky is the community. Despite decades of Russification and numerous repressions, the memory of the roots has survived. Contemporary organisations, such as the Regional Centre of the Union of Poles of Ukraine, are active in maintaining Polish culture, language and traditions. They organise Polish lessons, meetings and cultural events. For a time, there was a football club called "Polonia Chmielnicki", founded in 2011.

Attachment to Polishness is the most valuable legacy of old Proskuriv. It is the people who make our national spirit still hovering over the waters of the Bohu, blending into the interesting and complex mosaic of modern Khmelnitsky.