Over the years Dravtsi has been known by the names Darocz, Ungdarocz, Dravce, and Dravtsi. In ancient times, the area around Dravtsi, along with Zakarpattia, was occupied by the White Croats, an East Slavic tribe, and they had ties to Kievan Rus. The castle in Uzhgorod dates back to the 9th century. In 896, the Magyar tribes under Almos crossed the Carpathians and stormed the castle; after the castle was taken, the Magyars were free to conquer the Hungarian plain.
The existence of Dravtsi on the road between Uzhgorod and Mukachevo is first mentioned in historical documents dating back to the year 1220. According to tradition, Dravtsi originally lay where the Dravetski vineyards are now. The village was surrounded on the north and east by oak, beech, and hornbeam forests, and on the south and west by branches of the Uzh River, which 250 years ago flowed through Dravtsi on to Baranyntsi. In the beginning of the 19th century, a dam was built at Radvatsi, on the left bank of the Uzh, and as a result the branches in Dravtsi dried up.
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Last year, 2013, I spent a month staying and living with my relatives in their village outside Uzhgorod. I’ve written this blog describing my trip and experiences in Zakarpattia. I’ve also included hundreds of photos I hope you will enjoy, as well as some video and audio recordings of Rusyn folk songs and Prostopinije “plainchant” hymns from Greek Catholic services. I will be returning to Ukraine in September, this time for a 3 month stay, and I will continue writing and posting photo’s.
Please feel free to contact me with questions or comments at christopher.gajda@yahoo.com
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