House of the Society "Sokil", Snyatyn

The Society "Sokil" is a sports movement that spread across Eastern and Central Europe at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. The heritage of this community consists of the ancient so-called "pioneer houses", generously decorated in the style of 19th-century architecture. One such architectural structure of the patriotic physical education and sports society "Sokil" in Ivano-Frankivsk region is a monument of architecture in the town of Snyatyn, built at the end of the 19th century by the followers of the "Sokil" community. The ancient building with a decorative tower is considered a monument of cultural heritage from the late 19th to early 20th centuries, which served as a refuge for the sports society "Sokil".

This building, which was processed and decorated in the architectural style of the 19th century, belongs to Austrian constructions. It was representatives of Austria-Hungary who created the international community "Sokil", which appeared in these lands at the beginning of the 20th century. They organized physical development for the younger generation, conducting various training sessions, sports events, and hiking trips. Many boys engaged in music and dance, as well as staged performances. Therefore, the building preserved a gymnasium and other rooms suitable for creative and sports education. Currently, the former "Sokil" house houses the Center for Children's and Youth Creativity. According to the laws of Ukraine, the building is not subject to privatization, as it is a monument of architecture and cultural heritage of the country.

The founders of the sports society "Sokil" were a resident of Austro-Hungarian Prague, Indra Fyunger, and his comrade Myroslav Tyrsh. They contemplated the strong state of spirit and body of the younger generation back in 1862. Over the next few years, the movement was supported by Serbs, Slovenes, Macedonians, and later by Poles. In 1894, the first Ukrainian "Sokil" was established in Lviv. In 1905, Russia joined the movement. Two years later, national communities united under the All-Slavic Union. Today, the buildings from that time serve practically the same cultural and sports purposes.

The Society "Sokil" is a sports program that includes a comprehensive broad development of young boys. The well-thought-out complex of exercises eventually began to be used in physical education classes in Russian military schools and even partially survived to this day. Members of the "Sokil" society developed not only physically; they were taught to provide first aid, went on hikes, engaged in singing, music, dancing, and staged performances. In 1912, when the situation in Europe was escalating on the eve of the upcoming world war, the Sokil members were taught to shoot.

With the arrival of Soviet power, all "Sokil" groupings were regarded as nationalist communities and were therefore subject to rapid liquidation. Today, members of "Svoboda" are trying to revive "Sokil" by conducting patriotic meetings, events, and gatherings. In the town of Snyatyn, in the building with the decorative tower - the former "Sokil" refuge - is the Center for Children's Creativity, where little children are helped to develop their talents and sports spirit.

Where is the House of the Society "Sokil" located?

The picturesque town of Snyatyn is located in the Ivano-Frankivsk region. Once a quiet street of Prince Kosnyatin, now V. Symonenko Street, is adorned by the building at number 4 - the Center for Children's Creativity and the district station of young naturalists, which was previously the home of the "Sokil" society.