A Trip to Uzhok: Wooden Churches, the Árpád Line and the Secrets of the Valley
Ancient wooden churches and post-war structures
Transcarpathia has a great deal that is unique and truly worth being proud of! One of the region’s greatest treasures is its wooden churches. They are built in the architectural style of the Boykos - an ethnic group that has long lived near the mouth of the largest Carpathian river, the Uzh.
The Boykos and the Lemkos lived for several centuries in the territory of present-day Transcarpathia along the rivers. They managed to adapt to the harsh environment of the wild Carpathians. It was Boyko craftsmen who built the legendary wooden churches, constructed without a single nail, yet incredibly beautiful and striking, and positioned so as to blend harmoniously with the mountain slopes.
Two wooden churches of this style have been added to the World Heritage List of UNESCO and are considered extremely valuable architectural sites. One of them - the Church of St Michael the Archangel in the village of Uzhok - you will be able to see during our trip to Uzhok.
In addition, the ancient local beech forests conceal the remains of several fortifications of the famous Hungarian defensive line known as the Árpád Line which has survived here since the Second World War. And from the mountain summit there opens a view whose beauty is hard to put into words.
A trip to Uzhok. A mysterious valley and fairytale mountain panoramas
In this same area stands the majestic Mount Krasiya, rising more than a thousand metres high. You can reach its summit by chairlift, where an astonishing panorama of the Carpathian Mountains unfolds - with ancient beech forests, mountain streams and enchanting slopes.
The village of Uzhok is itself very interesting and appealing. It is famous not only for its centuries-old history, but also for its mineral springs, of which there are more than ten. Moreover, the village has a restaurant serving traditional cuisine. Here you can not only enjoy a tasty and inexpensive meal, but also get acquainted with the multi-ethnic Transcarpathian cuisine.
Also during the Trip to Uzhok you will learn about the history of the Uzhok Pass with its bloody battles, uprisings and ancient legends. You will see the world’s only monument to a postman and much more of interest.
The Uzh Valley - is a small, distinctive but priceless gem of Transcarpathia, perhaps not yet as popular as other landmarks, but undoubtedly a very important cultural and architectural treasure.
Discover the secrets of this amazing valley for yourself, touch ancient history and witness that rare harmony which so seldom occurs between the works of humankind and wild nature during a trip to Uzhok with Pro Karpaty.
Transcarpathia awaits you!
