Iza village - the centre of wickerwork in Transcarpathia
Iza village - a small village near the Transcarpathian town of Khust, which over the past century has become renowned for the highly developed art of wickerwork here, whose traditions are passed down from generation to generation and never cease to amaze with the true masterpieces created from ordinary grapevine.
Today, Iza - is also very appealing and popular in terms of tourism. Throughout the year an improvised market of wicker goods stretches along the roadside here. Here you can buy not only very charming souvenirs but even whole sets of wicker furniture.
A unique village with a fascinating history, ancient traditions, and rich nature
The history of the village of Iza goes back more than six centuries: the first written mention of it dates to 1387. According to legend, the village took its name from its first settler, who was called Izai. Not far from Iza, burial mounds of the III-IV centuries were also found at one time.
The founder of wickerwork in Iza is considered to be a certain Ivan Kashko. He first taught this craft to his sons. After that, it became the main and principal occupation for most of the village’s residents, and these traditions have survived to this day.
In addition, the village of Iza is also known for the fact that not far from it lies yet another very interesting landmark of Transcarpathia - a spotted deer farm. It is the only one in Ukraine and is also very popular with tourists. For the animals here are not only very beautiful but also extraordinarily friendly and responsive.
You can visit the village of Iza and the spotted deer farm thanks to our most colourful and exciting tour, which is called «The Highlights of the Khust Region»: upcoming group departure dates and the price are on the tour page, and at any other time it can be booked on individual request.
The capital of wickerwork in Transcarpathia - the village of Iza: here they create true masterpieces from wicker
As early as the 19th century, the village of Iza managed to gain fame and make a name for itself as a genuine centre of wickerwork. For ever since then, local residents have taken their wares to sell in the town of Khust and its surroundings. One might say that ever since then this title has not only been retained by the village but has grown even stronger.
Today, just as many years ago, the main occupation of the residents of the village of Iza is wickerwork. The traditions of creating wicker items are treasured here, preserved, and passed down from generation to generation. They surprise and delight with the originality, refinement, and beauty of the products.
The craftspeople of the village of Iza and their work are an example of love and sincere devotion to their craft, which is so beautiful and, at the same time, far from simple. It is an example of genuine diligence and of the simply incredible beauty that a person is able to create through their effort, perseverance, and striving for the beautiful.
Iza lies on the left bank of the Rika river, 5 km from Khust and its railway station; Khust itself is 88 km south-east of Uzhhorod. The village can be reached by car or by local minibus. In spring and autumn the weavers spend more time preparing willow, and in winter they mostly weave. Bear in mind that the market along the main street usually runs at weekends, so plan your shopping for a Saturday or Sunday; it gets busiest before major holidays, especially Easter. Minibuses are one way to get here; the easier one is to come with us, as Iza is part of our tour with a deer farm and thermal pools.
Having been on our tour of the Khust region, you will see for yourself that this is truly a wondrous land, where there is not only marvellous nature but also wonderful people, capable of creating such beautiful things that you want to take home and keep as a warm memory of a pleasant trip to Transcarpathia, looking at which you can then mentally carry yourself back to those moments of the journey and, reviving in your memory the recollections connected with this land that is wonderful in every sense.
You can also discover the wonderful and diverse world of Transcarpathia by visiting our other, no less exciting, tours of Transcarpathia, which you can join at any time or book on individual request.
