Monthly Archives: December 2014

In Dubno

Posted on by under Synagogues, Volhynia (Volyn)

In Dubno probably more historical substance is preserved then in much larger Rivne, where I stay in a hotel. At the market square a number of typical Jewish functional houses are still standing, with a shop in the ground floor and an apartment with balcony on the first floor. One of Dubno’s most important monuments is the former synagogue. It is easy to find and is located in close vicinity to the central market square.

Dubno synagogue
Dubno synagogue
Dubno synagogue
Dubno – old Jewish quarter
Dubno – old Jewish quarter
Dubno – old Jewish quarter

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An excursion to Ostroh

Posted on by under Jewish Cemeteries, Synagogues, Volhynia (Volyn)

The synagogue of Ostroh is in a sad state. However, the Jewish cemetery was found in surprisingly good condition during my today’s visit. I have rarely seen such a well-kept Jewish cemetery in Ukraine.

Ostroh synagogue
Ostroh synagogue
Ostroh synagogue
Ostroh synagogue
Ostroh Jewish cemetery
Ostroh Jewish cemetery
Ostroh Jewish cemetery
Ostroh Jewish cemetery
Ostroh Jewish cemetery
Ostroh Jewish cemetery
Ostroh Jewish cemetery
Ostroh Jewish cemetery
Ostroh Jewish cemetery
Ostroh Jewish cemetery
Ostroh Jewish cemetery
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A walk through Lutsk

Posted on by under Synagogues, Volhynia (Volyn)

Volhynia was ruled from Lutsk for centuries. The impressive fortress that was never conquered throughout its history, still bears witness of this periode. The massive towers of the fortress are without doubt the landmark of the city, but there is more to discover. Join me on a walk through Lutsk with its multiethnic past and present!

Lutsk castle
Lutsk castle
Lutsk – Jewish community center
Lutsk – old town
Lutsk – former Jewish district
Lutsk – former Jewish district
Lutsk – synagogue
Lutsk – memorial plaque at the synagogue
Lutsk – synagogue
Lutsk – synagogue
Lutsk – protestant church
A warming cat on my shoes
Lutsk – house on an artist

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Into The Nothing

Posted on by under Volhynia (Volyn)

Trochenbrod (Trachimbrod, Sofiyovka) was an all-Jewish town that was completely wiped out. Not a single stone has been preserved from a place with formerly 6,000 residents. Nevertheless Trochenbrod has a unique afterlife – the place became famous through Jonathan Safran Foer’s novel “Everything Is Illuminated” and the film adaptation by the same title. Like many others, I thought Trochenbrod was fiction. But Trochenbrod existed.

Trochenbrod memorial
Trochenbrod memorial
Trochenbrod memorial
Trochenbrod memorial
Trochenbrod – former main road
On the way to Trochenbrod

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Lviv welcomed me with snow

Posted on by under Eastern Galicia

After so many years of returning, it is a kind of homecoming when I go back to Lviv (Lwow, Lemberg). This time, Lviv welcomed me with snow. Upon my arrival at the airport heavy white snowflakes were falling and now it looks like it will not stop. A nice start for a new journey.

Mickiewicz Square – in front of the George
George Hotel
Christmas tree (left), me (right) in George Hotel 🙂

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My book coming soon

Posted on by under Eastern Galicia, Northern Bukovina

Many of you followed my wanderings through Galicia and Bukovina and I’m grateful to you and your comments. With me was my old camera; I took photos whenever I was travelling in the last two years. Classic black and white photography. Thanks to the Rhineland Regional Association I’m now able to publish some of my photos as a book.

Titel “Spurensuche”

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