Koloksha Idol

The Koloksha Idol (Kolokshinsky istukan) is a concrete sculpture of a giant on the high bank of the Klyazma River in the Sobinsky District of Vladimir Oblast, near the village of Ustye and the hamlet of Koloksha. A huge figure seems to be emerging from the ground: only its head, a raised hand and a foot are visible. The art object stands in a pine forest and has long been a spot people visit for unusual photos.

History and design

The idol was put up in 2004. Contrary to a common belief, it is not made of stone: the figure is cast in concrete on a metal frame. Inside the head there is a viewing platform reached by a ladder, with a view over the Klyazma and the surrounding forest.

The sculpture stands on the grounds of a country resort. In recent years the head was given a glowing headdress, so it can be seen from afar at dusk.

Legends

Several stories have grown up around the Koloksha Idol, none of them backed by documents:

• sixteenth-century chronicles supposedly mention a cave on the Klyazma bank where the remains of a giant about four metres tall were found;
• another version says the giant guards Mamai's treasure, which allegedly lies on the riverbed in a "golden boat" sunk in the fourteenth century;
• it is said that a great battle took place here during Batu Khan's invasion;
• the idol is sometimes called a memorial to people who drowned in the Klyazma.

These legends were attached to a modern sculpture, yet they are what makes it one of the most talked-about odd sights in the region.

Getting there

By car from Vladimir, take the M-7 highway to Ustye, drive through the village towards the pine forest and turn right before the woods. Follow the road about 200 metres past the dachas to a barrier: there is no driving to the bank beyond it. The last 300 metres or so are on foot along the river, ending with a steep path down.

By bus from Vladimir towards Stavrovo, get off at the "d. Koloksha" stop and walk about a kilometre.

By suburban train, go to Koloksha station and then walk about 5 km towards the Druzhba camp.