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Meridiela.

Iza

A Transcarpathian village where most households weave willow, supplying baskets and furniture across the country.

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WhereZakarpattia
Nearest cityKhust
Best seasonMay to October
Time to allowTwo hours
Getting thereAbout 5 km from Khust on the road towards Mizhhirya
EntryFree; work sold along the road

Iza has woven willow for well over a century and does it at a scale that is unusual: a large share of the village works the craft, willow is grown along the Tisza for it, and the roadside through the village is lined for a kilometre with baskets, chairs, cradles and screens hung out for sale. Workshops are in the yards behind, and buyers come from across Ukraine. It is a working industry rather than a heritage display.

What you actually see

  • The roadside display - a kilometre of woven work hung out along the village street.
  • The workshops - weaving done in yards and sheds behind the houses.
  • The willow beds - the plantations along the Tisza the material comes from.
  • The range - from small baskets to full furniture and garden screens.

When to go

May to October is the comfortable season and the roadside is fullest. Weekdays are when the workshops are working. Winter cuts the display back.

Honest expectations

Prices quoted to visitors start high and bargaining is expected. Large pieces are awkward to transport. There is nothing else in the village for visitors.

Nearby

Khust is nearby, and the Valley of Daffodils is on the far side of the town.

What to pack for Iza

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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