The largest military training ground in Europe with an area of over 30,000 ha is situated in the central part of the Ukrainian Roztocze adjoining the Yavorivskyi National Nature Park. This forms a major resource for military tourism. The training ground was established following the resettlement of nearly 150,000 people living in 128 villages. During the development of the training ground in total over 30,000 buildings, 12 Orthodox churches, 2 Rome Catholic churches and 14 cemeteries were destroyed. The ruins of St. Nicholas’ Church stand as a notable remnant of the religion of the former residents. This was used as a target for bombing and shelling by the troops which were training here during Soviet times and indeed the military training ground is still used by the Ukrainian armed forces as well as by the armies of NATO.
The command and observation buildings could form a perfect location for the setting up of a Museum of the Cold War and Iron Curtain. In addition, the remnants of military shelters still remain. There are numerous command points and traces of rocket launchers. In addition underground control rooms exist which can be entered (with a torch) (www.roztocze.com/next_jaworow.htm)
Fans of military history will want to see the so-called Molotov line on the Polish side of the border. These are about 90 Soviet bunkers which were built during 1940-41 on the demarcation line between Soviet and German control. There are also fragments of anti-tank trenches together with a network of earthworks and trenches connecting particular bunkers. A special guided tourist trail has been prepared and in the commune Lubycza Krolewska plans are being prepared in order to develop this for tourism and make this military monument more accessible to broad legions of tourists. (http://149.156.142.12/molotow/index.htm)
Visits to ancient defensive fortresses provide another opportunity. This kind of fortification is well preserved in Zamość (fragments of ramparts, 5 gateways, Arsenal), Lvov (fragments of the city walls, Arsenal), Zhovkva (2 gateways, a castle, remnants of walls).
There are numerous military cemeteries scattered throughout Roztozce. These result from bloody battles that took place, particularly during WW I, and WW II . One can also find them in Zwierzyniec, Bełżec, Tarnawatka, Zamość, Lvov and on the territory of Yavorivskyi National Nature Park.
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