Attractions of Budyshche

The ancient Budyshche Windmill, about two hundred years old, is located at the entrance to the village of Budyshche, between the villages of Moryntsi and Shevchenkove. It is part of the National Reserve "Taras Shevchenko Homeland".

The wooden windmill near Budyshche was built in the first half of the 19th century using Dutch technology, that is, it has a movable tower. This is the only windmill that has survived out of 28 similar ones that operated in the vicinity of the village of Kerelivka (the then name of Shevchenkove) during Taras Shevchenko's childhood. Later, the poet reproduced it in his drawings.

Despite the building's considerable age, its main wooden structures are well preserved, in particular the wooden mechanism with stone millstones. The windmill has suffered from storms and vandalism several times, but it has now been restored, with new siding and sails. A parking lot and lighting have been installed nearby.

The estate in Budyshche was founded at the end of the 18th century by senator and hero of the Second Turkish War Vasyl Enhelhardt. The main residence of the Enhelhardt family was in Vilshana, and in Budyshche the landowner built a summer cottage for himself.

In 1828, the senator's son Pavlo Enhelhardt built a one-story brick manor house on the estate. The room was furnished with expensive things and accessories. The owner spent most of the summer months here.

Next to the manor house was a park with a cascade of ponds and centuries-old oaks. According to legend, in the hollow of one of the oaks, young Taras Shevchenko, who served as a Cossack (a boy on errands) in Engelhardt in 1828-1829, hid his childhood drawings. This oak has been preserved in the landscape park, it is called Shevchenko's.

During Soviet times, an eight-year school was located in the Enhelhardt estate. On the eve of the celebration of the 200th anniversary of Taras Shevchenko's birth, the reconstruction of the estate began, which is still not completed. The National Reserve "Taras Shevchenko Homeland" plans to house a museum exhibition in the restored building.

So far, only the park with ancient oak trees, alleys, arches, benches, and fountains that recreate the atmosphere of Shevchenko's times is open to visitors.