Located on a cape formed by the right bank of the Western Bug River and the left arm of the Mukhavets River, at the crossroads of important trade routes that passed through the lands of the Eastern Slavs, the town was claimed by many rulers and was the cause of many feuds.
The favorable geographical position allowed the ancient Berestye to control the waterways along the Mukhavets River from the east and the Western Bug River from the south. It was claimed by princes of Kiev, Vladimir-Volyn, Galicia-Volyn, Polish kings and feudal lords in the 11th -13th centuries. This prompted Berestye to significantly improve its wooden and earthen fortifications to become a reliable refuge for local residents and trade caravans.
In the second half of the 12th century Berestye received significant autonomy as part of the Principality of Vladimir-Volyn. During this period, a wooden castle was built in the town.
