Stone forest Varna on the map. Hitchhiking in Bulgaria or how to get to the Stone Forest. Dividing stone pillars into groups

Gebedzhin ruins - Stone forest. Bulgaria.

“Gebedzhin ruins”, a place now known as “beat kamani - driven stones”. The second name is “Stone Forest”, in the area of ​​Aksakovo, near the city of Varna, in the north-eastern part of Bulgaria.

18 km from the city of Varna, in the area of ​​​​the settlements of Slanchevo, Banovo, Strashimirovo and Devnya, there is an amazing place, called “Beat the Stones” among the Bulgarians, and known as the “Stone Forest” among Russian tourists. Here, stone columns rise above the ground, reaching 7 meters in height. It’s hard to believe that their architect is nature itself, and not some vanished ancient people. They were formed as a result of centuries of erosion and weathering of marine limestone deposits. In the distant past, the sea splashed here, at the bottom of which hot springs bubbled up. The bottom sediment around their outlets was reliably held together by minerals dissolved in the water. Millions of years have passed. The sea has gone. Water and wind destroyed the softer rocks, leaving only these “pipes” untouched, going into the depths of the earth.

Now few people know that this miracle of nature was first described by our compatriot, archaeologist Viktor Grigorievich Teplyakov, seconded to the headquarters of Ivan Dibich-Zabalkansky, commander-in-chief of the Russian army. In “Letters from Bulgaria”, written by Viktor Grigorievich during the Balkan campaign of 1829, this place appears under the name of Gebedzhi ruins (Gebedzhi is the old name of the village of Beloslav).

rice. 1 Engraving from Viktor Teplyakov’s book “Letters from Bulgaria” (St. Petersburg, 1833 ).

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rice. 3 It’s hard to believe that this is a play of nature and not the ruins of an ancient temple .

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rice. 4 Viktor Grigorievich Teplyakov (1804 - 1842) .

Teplyakov V. G. Letters from Bulgaria. Letter four. G. A. Rimsky-Korsakov. Gebedzhi, April 22ѣ la 1829.

“It’s difficult to convey to you in one minuteѣ a swarm of thoughts, guesses, impressedѣ ney, excited in the heartsѣ these colossal remnants of the long past...
A vast area unfolds in front of you as youѣ buildingѣ from the depths surrounding her from allѣ x side lѣ sa. In this square, perezѣ what in nѣ how many mѣ surrounded by tall bushes, the masses of these gigantic columns stretch, or better said, are scattered throughout the spaceѣ e three versts.

I say scattered, because there is no difference in their locationѣ There is no order, no ordinary architectural sequenceѣ validity. Cѣ Thousands of these wonderful columns amaze you with the strangest shapes. In other placesѣ stakh - heѣ rise in perfectly regular cylinders; in others - they represent the view of a tower, a collapsed pyramid,ѣ chennago cone; other dѣ They are thicker at the bottom and seem to be surrounded by wide cornices.

There are elevations on whichѣ ѣ ancient portico. Inside nѣ which of them is empty and filled withѣ digging with sand mass. I put a small piece of this mass in my pocket; but not being able to enrich themselves with one of these huge fragments, which were part ofѣ the most columns, I provide our Bronnyars with theѣ to cast, if possible, according to my sketches, a kind of wild spongy stone forming it.

At this end, by the way, I am deputyѣ I hear that this stone seemed to meѣ no softer than the hardest marble: it barely yields to the blows of a hammer, butѣ how many times repeated. Colonel L. (A.N. Leaders - colonel, commander of the 37th Jaeger Regiment - approx.) ordered at my requestѣ tear off one of the smaller cylindrical columnsѣ ra.

Some of our escort soldiers, includingѣ nѣ how many pioneers with spades and spades set to work. Loud exclamations: “Let’s find the treasure! Let’s find an urn with gold medals!” - were heard every minute around the excavated column. Through nѣ how long it had been open for too many fathoms; but, going deeper into the ground like a regular cylinder, it forced us to completelyѣ There are signs to conclude that it was still too far away from its underground foundation...

That's why I was sorryѣ This is all I can say about these extraordinary ruins. The complete absence of capitals, regular cornices and various other decorations of architecture destroys, at least mѣ Rѣ for me, every opportunity to talk about the architectural orderѣ , by which one could guess about the beginningsѣ these gigantic ruins.

I call them gigantic, because the diameter of the thinnest one isѣ the columns I found, containsѣ about 4 1/2 feet... Is this really big?ѣ Are the stumpy masses nothing more than masses of simple balsatic fragments? - Is this striking correctness of forms and proportions really just a whim of nature, deceiving people?ѣ with such a perfect imitation of art, in the countriesѣ , populated by ancient monuments, and swarms of glorious historical memories?

Viktor Grigoryevich Teplyakov’s impressions of visiting the Gebedzhinsky ruins remained with him for the rest of his life. In 1836, he published a poetry collection “Thracian Elegies”, which included his poem “GEBEDZHI RUINS” - ​​1829.

GEBEDZHI RUINS

Are these fragments of an ancient world in front of me?
Are these antediluvian ghosts flickering here?
Are these hands threatening with a mysterious scythe?
Do insignificances sparkle in the darkness?
Death is everywhere! There's ashes everywhere!
Pillars with drooping gray heads,
Stolbov, at the sullen Mortality on the clock
Standing cloudily above the fallen pillars, -
The gloomy Daedalus is everywhere in my eyes!
... 1829
http://www.azlib.ru/t/tepljakow_w_g/text_0020.shtml

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rice. 5 "..n ѣ how many similar pillars are so densely arranged that they force you to involuntarily think about the remainder ѣ ancient portico." .

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rice. 6 On this throne, as if, sat the ruler of an ancient people .

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rice. 7 Almost certainly, in the past this place was considered sacred .

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rice. 8 “Aren’t there fragments of an ancient world before me? » .

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rice. 9 “Look: this pillar, a petrified giant, Like an overripe ear in a field, He bowed his ancient head to the earth...” .

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rice. 10 Pillar-column .

“Gebedzhinsky ruins. Bulgaria". http://www.museum-21.ru/info/gebedj.html

The ancient coins and inscriptions collected by Teplyakov made it possible for the first time to prove that the city of Varna was built on the site of the ancient port of Odessos (Odēssus, Οδησσός), founded in the 6th century BC. Like the Baltic Hanse, it was the center of the Black Sea Union of cities through which the route from Asia Minor to Europe ran. That is why our traveler called the capture of Varna by the Russian army “an important, huge step towards Byzantium.”

Another discovery of the traveler related to the “Gebedzhin ruins”, which, however. were known to Russian topographers since the time of the previous military campaign. But it was Teplyakov who published the world’s first description of the “Gebedzhin ruins”, placing in the book a sketch of them from life, made on his personal instructions during the expedition. And he suggested that although this “Stone Forest” is of natural origin, some of the megaliths were the object of worship of ancient people. It is no coincidence that some of them have a regular cylindrical shape, and some are driven deep into the soil, like columns or cult pillars.

Later, many hypotheses and legends appeared about this mysterious “Stone Forest” located to the west of Lake Varna. Modern scientists believe that the formation of the Balkan megaliths began approximately 50 million years ago, when the current Valley of Truth was the bottom of the “Lutetsky Sea” (geological concept). Then the ancient stones repeatedly changed their appearance and structure, like sea corals and cave stalagmites.

Our traveler believed that the megaliths were mastered by ancient man, who already had tools and altars. Forty years after Teplyakov, archaeologist Boucher de Pert began to prove this, putting on public display the Paleolithic finds he had collected.

Today, thanks to the discoveries of professional archaeologist Jaroslav Petrbok, it is known for certain that next to the mysterious megaliths there were Paleolithic sites 30-25 thousand years ago, as evidenced by flint tools found near the “Gebedzhin ruins”. In subsequent eras, as research has shown, an entire “flint industry” was established in the “Stone Forest” area, from which more than 10 thousand stone tools have survived to this day. http://www.tulaev.ru/html.php?187

Some researchers believe that the “Stone Forest” are megaliths, like the English or Maltese dolmens, and that something like an ancient temple or sanctuary was once located here. That the “Stone Forest” of Bulgaria is the ruins of ancient shrines

Legend:

A long-standing legend, widespread among local residents, says that many years ago, near this place on the seashore there was a small village in which a young man lived. God revealed his name to him, and the man vowed to keep this secret forever. And God granted him immortality. Warning him that if he reveals the secret, he will become mortal again.

One day, while walking along the beach, he met a beautiful girl and fell in love with her. But he soon learned that his beloved was destined for the king of the sea titans. Love gave man courage, and he came to the king of the titans. The sea lord refused the girl and demanded in return the name of God.

The young man decided to sacrifice his immortality for the sake of love. Before sunrise, he called the sea king and said: bring your titans ashore and I will arrange them so that you will read the name of God.God watched everything from above, was shocked and decided to punish the titans. With the first rays of the sun they turned to stone.

And the young man found his beloved. Legend has it that when they met, a wonderful spring came.
http://www.mesembria.ru/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=104:2011-01-17-10-24-57&catid=66:2010-06-02-08-36-26&Itemid=100

Bulgarians call this place: “ beat kamani" or "p robite kamyni" - what does it mean - driven stones. And indeed, these formations of the “Stone Forest” do not have a foundation; they are, as it were, “driven into the ground.” It is believed that the “Stone Forest” is the only phenomenon of its kind in Europe.

The Bulgarians themselves have a belief that if you walk around the entire “Stone Forest” and then go inside the circle, luck will never turn away from you.

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rice. 11 “Gebedzhinsky ruins” .

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rice. 12 "Stone Forest" .

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rice. 13 "The stones are driven in" .

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rice. 14 Looks like the ruins of an ancient temple .

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rice. 15 Stone Circle .

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rice. 16 Petrified Titans from Legend .

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rice. 17 Columns of the “Stone Forest” .

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rice. 18 Columns in the “Stone Forest” .

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rice. 19 Line of columns .

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rice. 20 Two rows of columns .

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rice. 21 Group of columns .

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rice. 22 Many columns are hollow inside .

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rice. 23 "Old Man" .

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rice. 24 "Stone Forest" - "throne" .

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rice. 25 You need to climb through this move in order to avoid joint disease .

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rice. 26 "Eye of the Needle" .

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rice. 27 A stone with a very narrow crevice, if you climb onto it, then this is a lucky sign .

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rice. 28 Stone pillar with round hole .

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rice. 29 Stone with a “heart” hole .

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rice. 31 Many stones have round holes through them .

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rice. 32 Round holes on the stone .

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rice. 33 Round hole on a flat stone .

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Stone forest Bulgaria orPobiti Kamani (Broken stones, Pobiti stones): description, photos, coordinates, interesting facts and legends

Stone forest is a unique natural phenomenon that has only one analogue in the world, and only in Australia. Fortunately, we won't have to travel that far.

Stone forest is a miniature sandy desert, completely dotted with stone columns reaching a height of 12 m. However, the elements of the columns visible on the surface are their smaller part, because the stones are driven into the ground to a depth of 100 m! Many stones have bizarre shapes, and the most interesting of them were named after what they most resemble: camel, dog, single person, small throne, mushroom, soldier, fertility stone (phallus-like), family, large throne.

Central group " Stone forest" - this is its most popular and most visited link. After all, in the area of ​​50 km² from it there are 15 other groups, only smaller in size. The central group is the largest and the only one that has become an international tourist attraction. The length of the central link is 850 m and the width is 120. The central group of driven stones is called “ Dikilitash" This complex alone consists of more than 300 columns of different sizes.

« Stone forest"has been famous as a sacred place since ancient times, but was first documented in 1829. In 1937 " Stone forest"was recognized as a unique natural phenomenon, thus receiving protection from the state due to its unique status. This object was declared a natural monument on August 23, 2002. Even in the early days of the Bulgarian kingdom, the stones were considered a sacred place of supernatural forces, with a powerful biofield that endows visitors with positive energy. The arrangement of stones and their order are unlike anything else around and are far from natural: some stand alone, others are lined up in a row, many look like animals. Some form columns and vaults, resembling a temple or acropolis.

For thousands of years, nature has sculpted stone figures from rocks, turning them into various objects and natural phenomena. An interesting fact is that the large stone columns inside are completely empty.

« Stone forest", like a miniature desert, has specific flora and fauna: about 21 species of birds, 7 species of mammals And 240 plant species, 8 of which are protected by law. The total number of vertebrates and invertebrates that are of natural value is 52 individual species.

Access to the site is free and parking is available along the road. We recommend not leaving valuables in the car, as this road (the old highway " Varna-Sofia"), at which the reserve is located " Broken Stones”, is a favorite place for “priestesses of love” not only to search for potential clients, but also for basic robbery.

It is possible to hire a guide for a fee - then the entrance fee will be 3 leva for adults, 2 leva for students. Upon prior request, the guide can walk with you and give a lecture.

On the territory of the driven stones there is also a souvenir shop where you can buy interesting literature, unique magical objects, sand in ampoules, figurines carved from stone columns and much more.

Pobiti kamani – geologists’ versions of the origin “ Stone forest" In Bulgaria

Such a rare occurrence as " Broken Stones"could not fail to attract the attention of geologists from all over the world. Today there are about 15 official hypotheses-theories about the origin " Stone forest».

01 The most popular theory is that stone forest formed in the Varna area about 50 million years ago, when this area was part of the seabed. That is, there was a sea here. Geologists called it Lutese Sea. And indeed, being on the territory of driven stones, you get the impression that you are at the sea: white sea sand, typical marine vegetation. In this area, geologists found ancient fossilized mussels and giant sea snails.

Bottom Lutese Sea was formed on the basis of 3 layers. When the sea left these places, the upper layer began to collapse and penetrate into the lower layer, soldering and mixing them together. And since the top layer consisted of limestone, and the bottom layer of quartz sand, over time these stone pillars formed. Geologists believe that the process of formation of the stone forest took nature no more than 10 million years.

02 Other theories tell us about large rocks that existed in this region. As a result of the erosion process, only strong parts of the rocks remained, in the form of stone columns. Also, some scientists claim that the stone columns are coral formations or even ancient mango trees.

03 There were also some beautiful fantastic legends. One legend tells about giants who were building the city Pliska in 681 – 893 AD They carried these stones from everywhere, and when the Bulgarian Tsar unexpectedly announced the completion of construction, they simply threw the stones where they stood at that moment. Another epic speaks of stone pillars as colonnades of the temple of Poseidon, located in that same Atlantis- an island-state that disappeared as a result of an earthquake accompanied by severe flooding.

"Stone Forest"– this is an area with exceptionally strong energy and biofield. It is recommended to walk through the forest barefoot, touch the columns and clasp them with your hands. The columns will take all the negative energy from you and charge you with positive energy for a long time. On the outskirts of the stone forest, there is a stone circle, inside of which there are three low columns. It is believed that this is the most powerful energy center in the entire territory. Sit inside for a few minutes and it will have a beneficial effect on your health. Oddly enough, the stone circle is the work of human hands, the only one in the area driven stones. Recently, on the Internet, I found information that a stone circle on the outskirts of “ Broken stones" was put together by none other than the Bulgarian fortuneteller Vanga.

Pobiti Kamani – coordinates and how to get there?

Reserve « Broken Stones"located 17 - 19 km west of Varna, on the old, now secondary highway" Varna-Sofia" There are two ways to get there, using route 2008 and 2, or the highway " Hemus", via E70. In any case, the trip from the city of Varna to " Stone forest» will not exceed 25 minutes by car, which is the optimal way to get there. Of course, if you are in the city of Varna for the first time, it will be most convenient to use GPS, or prepare a route in advance using online Google maps. Be careful, however, many GPS and Google maps initially give incorrect coordinates, so use the coordinates provided by us.

• Exact coordinates of driven stones: Latitude 43.225833, Longitude 27.704644

One way or another, you need to go towards Sofia, along the old highway, using route number 2. From the city center you can get to route No. 2 via route 2008, through the industrial zone of Varna and the street " Atanas Moskov", and at the roundabout take the third (3) exit, which will lead to route No. 2.

Clean fine sand. Tall stone pillars of bizarre shape. Not crowded. Calm and quiet. This place has a special aura, strong energy. Scientists and mystics have been arguing about the origin of “driven stones” for 200 years. The guides stir up interest with legends and superstitions. This amazing magical place is called differently: Beat Kamyn, Dikilitash, Stone Forest.

Stone forest hypotheses of origin

Researchers estimate the age of the stones to be 50 million years. One of the most common versions of this phenomenon says that there was once a sea here. Then the water left, but the limestone formations remained. Wind and precipitation gave them different shapes. Another hypothesis is based on the fact that the figures are empty inside, which means that these are the remains of giant ancient trees, the trunks of which are overgrown with stones. The trees rotted, leaving hollow columns. The height of some reaches 10 m. How deep they go underground is not visible, but they look as if they were driven in. Many believe that the columns are the remains of an ancient temple, and ufologists insist on their cosmic origin.
There are many versions. None of them have been confirmed, but neither have they been completely refuted. And they all look like the truth.

The Magic of the Stone Forest

Conventionally, stones are divided into four groups. The first is several rows of columns, which suggests a temple. The second is a group of “trees”. The third is stone blocks placed on top of each other. The fourth is a circle of small stones with a central column. Bulgarians believe that if you walk around the entire stone forest, and then enter the circle and make a wish, leaning against a column, it will definitely come true. Whether this is so, everyone can check for themselves. Another surprising thing is that you don’t want to leave this “magic” circle. Cares and worries are forgotten. Thoughts become clearer. What is this? The power of suggestion or the really good energy of a place?

The stones are all warm. I just want to cuddle with my whole body. The guides do not prohibit, but, on the contrary, strongly recommend doing just that. They say it is very good for health. Moreover, many figures have their own names and “purposes”. A giant “mushroom”, a “love” stone with a heart inside, a “soldier”, an “elephant”, a “waterfall”. At the base of the “big throne” there is a narrow gap. Not everyone manages to get through it. And this must be done without fail, because according to legend, this removes several sins from a person. Tempting. The sin of gluttony immediately comes to mind. You can climb up and sit on the throne. Not everyone can do it either. There is also a symbol of fertility in the valley. Tourists have already dubbed it the stork that brings children. Men are embarrassed to hug him, they only look at him with respect and take pictures with pleasure. Women cling to such a symbol, because according to legend, this should lead to pregnancy. Want to check it out?

Stone forest how to get there?

The stone forest is located about 20 km from Varna. Public transport does not go here. You can get there on your own by car or with a tour. Entrance fee: 3 leva for adults and 2 for children. The guides and staff are hand-picked - all friendly and with a good sense of humor. How else? After all, the place itself only invites positive emotions. Enjoy your holiday!

Stone forest in Varna (Varna, Bulgaria) - detailed description, location, reviews, photos and videos.

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The nature of Bulgaria does not need any special introduction; there are plenty of beautiful beaches, crystal clear lakes, and dizzying mountain peaks. But the so-called “stone forests” occupy a “special position”, and one of the largest is located just near Varna. Only 18 km separate the sea capital of the country from this bizarre valley, stretching for 700 m, which is occupied by strange, sometimes frightening, but extremely photogenic “stone trees”.

To touch a place of power, make a secret wish, try to unravel the mystery of nature or unravel human cunning, as well as take a dozen unique photographs and simply enjoy an unusual trip outside the city - that’s why tourists come to the Varna Stone Forest.

In short, the local Stone Forest is 70 square meters. km, on which many stone columns are spread out in a bizarre pattern. Their height sometimes reaches 7 m, and their diameter is an impressive three. All of them consist of calcareous sandstone, covered with an unusual pattern of grooves and cracks, and filled with sand inside. Locals call them “driven stones” and do not believe in their natural nature, they say they are the work of intelligent beings, but this fact has not yet been proven by science. Just as their natural phenomenon has not been guessed: it is a miracle, a mystery that has several theories and hypotheses. One of them says that these unique trees are gigantic stalagmites about 50 million years old. Other scientists claim that the stones are calcareous deposits that remained after the sea moved away from this mark and became shallow. And their sophisticated forms are only a consequence of exposure to wind and air over millions of years. Finally, others claim that these are stumps of prehistoric trees. Be that as it may, no one knows the exact version.

Conventionally, the Stone Forest can be divided into several groups of stones. The most intriguing are the stones placed by the hand of some giant in an even circle, the center of which is a high column.

Conventionally, the Stone Forest can be divided into several groups of stones. The most picturesque and intriguing are the stones, as if placed by the hand of some giant in an even circle, the center of which is a high column. The first group is immediately visible from the road - these are trees in 4 rows, located perpendicular to the road. The second is a group of tall 6-meter trees. And the last group is stones placed on top of each other. Of course, many of them have funny names - “Throne”, “Single” or “Family”.

Bulgarians believe that if you walk around the entire Stone Forest and then go inside the magic circle, then luck will always accompany you.

Coordinates

How to get there: you can get to the Stone Forest by taxi, private car or during an excursion, but traveling by public transport will be extremely difficult. You need to go along the street. Vladislav Varnenchik, which will then turn into regional road 2 (not to be confused with the A2 highway), drive past the airport and literally after 10 km on your left you will see it - Stone Forest.