Moonstone (Svir Gorge)

The Moonstone (Lunny Kamen) is a huge boulder in the Svir Gorge in the Lazarevsky district of Sochi, near Mamedova Shchel. About five metres high, the rock looks like a throne with a pointed top, and a legend says wishes made here at full moon come true. The Svir Gorge and its Moonstone are listed among the tourist sites of Sochi National Park in Krasnodar Krai.

Origin of the stone

There are two views on what the boulder is. Some enthusiasts of antiquity believe the stone was shaped by people in ancient times and see it as a man-made artefact, like the dolmens of the area. According to Sochi National Park, the Moonstone is natural: the block came down into the gorge in an ancient rockfall and took its unusual shape on its own.

The full moon legend

The name comes from a local belief: touch the stone at full moon, make a wish, and it will come true. Because of this legend, people come to the throne not only for a walk in the gorge but also to try the custom for themselves.

What to see in the Svir Gorge

The small Svirka river runs along the bottom of the gorge, and freshwater crabs live in it. The river forms several cascades of waterfalls, the best known being the Adam and Eve waterfall. The slopes are covered with beech forest and large ferns grow along the trail, so the gorge stays cool and shady even in summer.

Getting to the Moonstone

The Svir Gorge starts about three kilometres from Lazarevskoye railway station. City buses and minibuses run there from the centre of the resort. A landmark on the way to the stone is an old gas pipe overgrown with greenery.

The trail crosses rough ground with steep descents and climbs. Depending on the route, a walk through the gorge is 4 to 6.5 kilometres long.

Good to know

Because of the steep sections, comfortable shoes are a good idea. The gorge belongs to Sochi National Park, and the park's rules apply on its trails.