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From churches to a museum of Hutsul magic: the best atmospheric mountain villages in Ukraine
In the whirlwind of the modern world, where the pace of life is increasing every day, there are places where time seems to have stopped. We are talking about the Carpathian regions, where tourists find harmony with nature. To know where you can relax and enjoy the clean air, read on.
Kryvorivnia
Located in the Verkhovyna district of Ivano-Frankivsk region.
There is a legend that the name of the village comes from the name of the first settler, Kryvyi, who lived in a flat area. When people went to him, they said, "I'm off to Kryvyi, the one found in the plains."
The location was first mentioned in 1719. In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the Ukrainian intelligentsia was formed here. Famous writers, artists, and scientists came here, including Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi, Olha Kobylianska, Ivan Trush, and others.
In 1900, the future Metropolitan Andriy Sheptytskyi, then a bishop, came to Kryvorivnia. He stayed in a "sunny house" on the hill above the church, where he wrote "To My Dear Hutsuls."
We advise you to visit the authentic Ethnographic Museum Khata-Grazhda of 1858 and see a large number of household items.
Also, do not miss the Literary and Memorial Museum of Ivan Franko. It was here, in the period from 1901 to 1914, that the Kameniar (his alias, given after his work Kameniari or The Stonebreakers) drew inspiration from the picturesque Carpathians. The things that the poet used are kept here.
And, of course, go to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church. The shrine was built in 1719.
Verkhovyna
Located in the Verkhovyna district of Ivano-Frankivsk region at an altitude of 620 meters above sea level.
The village was first mentioned in 1424 in the charter of Lithuanian prince Świdrygiełło. It has witnessed many historical events, from the Oprishkiv movement to the national liberation struggle.
We recommend visiting the Museum of Hutsul Magic. Tourists will get acquainted with the unique culture of the Carpathian sorcerers - molfars - learn about their beliefs, traditions, the meaning of symbols in clothing, and the secrets of herbal treatment.
In the Roman Kumlyk Museum of Hutsul Lifestyle, Ethnography, and Musical Instruments, travelers will see old clothes, cymbals, violins, drymbas, and trembitas.
Be sure to visit the House-Museum of the film Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors. Here you can try on traditional costumes and see interesting photos.
Kryvopillia
It is located in Verkhovyna district of Ivano-Frankivsk region.
The first mention of the village called Kryvo Pole dates back to 1899. It is located near one of the highest passes in the Ukrainian Carpathians - Kryvopillia (1,013 meters above sea level).
Here you can enjoy hiking and fishing. Several hiking trails run through the area. The most popular is a hike to the Kostrych ridge, from where you can admire the Svydovets and Horhany massifs.
Vorokhta
It is located in the Nadvirna district of Ivano-Frankivsk region at an altitude of 850 meters above sea level.
The village was first mentioned in 1568. According to a legend, the name comes from the surname of a deserting soldier who settled here in the 17th century.
In Vorokhta, there is a century-old viaduct built in 1895 during the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It witnessed an ambitious plan to connect the Black and Adriatic Seas by rail. In 1894, a 135-kilometer-long track was laid from Stanislav (now Ivano-Frankivsk) through Nadvirna to Voronenko.
We recommend visiting the wooden church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. According to a legend, the church was built in 1615. You won't believe it, but the craftsmen didn't use a single nail during the construction. The prayer room stands on a stone foundation alone.
Mykulychyn
It is located in Nadvirna district of Ivano-Frankivsk region. The first mention dates back to 1412.
In the nineteenth century, the village was considered the longest in the Carpathians and the largest settlement in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It stretched for 44 kilometers. However, in 1927, Vorokhta, Tatariv, and other villages separated from it.
Ivan Franko, Lesia Ukrainka, Vasyl Stefanyk, and Mykhailo Drahomanov used to come here often.
Mykulychyn is famous for its own brewery, where natural beer under the Hutsulske brand is brewed according to traditional recipes. Here, you can taste not only classic light and dark beers, but also unique honey one.
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