Kolomyia

Kolomyia stands on the Prut in the heart of Pokuttia, between the Carpathians and the Dniester lands. Mentioned in chronicles in the thirteenth century, it became known for salt and for trade across the frontier with Moldavia. Ukrainians, Poles, Armenians, Jews and Hungarians settled in the town.

Its Magdeburg rights were confirmed in 1405. Later privileges allowed its burghers to trade salt and required passing merchants to offer their goods in the local market. In 1485 Stephen the Great of Moldavia came to Kolomyia to pay homage to the Polish king, seeking support against the Ottomans. Pokuttia was subsequently contested between Poland and Moldavia, and Tatar and Ottoman attacks damaged the town. After it was burned in 1626, it was rebuilt farther from the Prut. During the Khmelnytsky uprising, unrest spread through the district under the leadership of Semen Vysochan.