Kryvorivnya in the Carpathians

For anyone who would like to explore the history of Hutsul traditions and who wants to enjoy one of the most picturesque destinations in the Carpathians, Kryvorivnya is the ideal location to explore. The village is most definitely not for the faint hearted, as it was not named “Crooked Plain” without reason. Kryvorivnya’s landscape is extremely mountainous, and to get to some of the homes would probably qualify as a strenuous hike for skilled hikers. Yet it has charm, historical attractions and sites that are so beautiful that it will leave visitors at a loss for words.

The Hutsuls are an ancient ethno-cultural community who inhabited the Carpathian Mountains, with the highest concentration of Hutsuls being in Ukraine and also spread into Romania. These highlanders are very well respected and the culture still lives on today. One of their most famous traditions is their immaculate craftsmanship skills, as their work shows attention to detail and is always colorful. Some of the work includes rugs, pottery, sculptures, metal work, woodwork, egg decorating and weaving. They are also known for their lively dances and music.

Kryvorivnya lies along the banks of the Cheremosh River, and has been a place of refuge, tranquility and inspiration for historians researching the Hutsuls, as well as writers, including Lesya Ukrayinka and Ivan Franko. Not only was the village a pilgrimage destination for many poets, politicians and writers but many stayed in Kryvorivnya, leading to it getting the nickname “Ukrainian Athens”.

This breathtaking village has a few very noteworthy attractions that visitors are recommended to explore, such as the old wooden church and belfry. The church was established in 1719 and the construction of this wooden structure was completed in 1818. It features magnificent nineteenth century painted murals. Kryvorivnya also features three wonderful museums that visitors can visit namely the M. Hrushevsky Museum, the Hutsul Grazhda Museum and the Ivan Franko Literary Memorial Museum. The village has a very powerful and rich history, and its wonderful landscapes continue to lure visitors, as its beauty is unmatched and its people unique and fascinating.