Eagle Rocks

Orlinye or White Rocks are a recreational site located on the territory of the Matsesta Forestry of the Sochi National Park in the Khostinsky District of Sochi, Krasnodar Krai, Russia. Orlinye Rocks are located along the right bank of the Agura River, 2 kilometers from its mouth, near the Agursky waterfalls.

Absolutely vertical cliffs 125 meters above river level and 379 meters above sea level, covered with light limestone and yellow sandstone (which is why they are called White). Pine trees, oaks and hornbeams grow on their peaks. Several karst caves are known in the vicinity of Orlinye Rocks, the largest of which is located at a depth of 15 meters.

Views from the top

The top of the Eagle Rocks offers views of the Chugush Mountains (3,238 m), Achishkho (2,391 m), Pseashkho (3,257 m), Sakharnaya Golova (1,550 m) and the Aibga Ridge (highest point - 2,462 m). You can climb the Eagle Rocks either from the side of Old Matsesta or from the Agur Gorge, from the place where the Agurchik tributary flows into the Agura River.

Legends

An ancient legend of the indigenous people of the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus, associated with the Eagle Rocks, echoes the ancient Greek myth of Prometheus. According to local legend, it was to these rocks that the hero was chained, who, contrary to the will of the supreme god Zeus, stole fire for people. As in the ancient Greek myth, the chained Prometheus was doomed to incessant torment: an eagle flew to him every day and pecked out his liver, which grew back. However, the local legend diverges from the ancient Greek one. The guardian of the rebellious hero was the god Akhun, the patron of cattle breeding and the entire territory of the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus, who lived on the top of Mount Akhun, located opposite the Eagle Rocks. He vigilantly watched the execution of the cruel sentence, but a local girl named Agura did not remain indifferent to the sufferer and every day, hiding from the all-seeing eye of Akhun, brought water to the hero to ease his torment. But one day she could not remain unnoticed, and the angry god turned her into a mountain river running at the foot of the cliff. In 1998, a sculpture of Prometheus by Omsk sculptor Alexander Kapralov was installed at the top of the Eagle Rocks, right at the edge. According to legend, Prometheus was chained to these rocks.

Route to the Eagle Rocks

There are two paths to the Eagle Rocks. One is from Old Matsesta, where part of the way can be traveled by car. The other is from the Agur Gorge, from the place where the Agurchik tributary flows into the Agura River. In both cases, travelers must overcome a steep climb to reach the highest point of the Eagle Rocks, located at an altitude of 379 meters above sea level, in an hour's journey. Here, huge stone cliffs made of gray limestone and yellow sandstone hang right over the abyss. Surprisingly, in some places, trees cling to tiny ledges - pines, oaks and hornbeams.

There is an observation deck at the top of the Eagle Rocks. It offers a wonderful view of the Caucasus peaks: Chugush, Achishkho, Pseashkho, Sakharnaya Golova and the Aibga Ridge. Directly opposite the observation deck is the cone of Mount Bolshoy Akhun (663 meters). Down below, the Agura mountain river flows along the bottom of the gorge; if you look closely, you can see all its waterfalls.

Recreational information

High sheer limestone cliffs, oak and hornbeam forests, large karst caves and beautiful panoramic views make the Eagle Rocks a popular natural monument. From the top of the cliffs, you can often see soaring eagles and falcons, which is where these cliffs got their name.

According to legend, it was to these cliffs that the hero of ancient Greek mythology, Prometheus, was chained, having given people fire despite the prohibition of Zeus. Every day, an eagle flew to him and pecked at his liver, causing the hero great suffering. The guardian of the fearless hero was the giant Akhyn. A local girl named Agura took pity on him and brought him some water. But Akhyn noticed her act and, as punishment, turned her into a mountain river winding among the rocks. This legend was immortalized in stone in 1998: a monument to the fearless hero was erected on the top of the cliff above the precipice, designed by Omsk sculptor Alexander Kapralov. The monument is located next to the observation deck, which offers an unforgettable panorama of the surroundings of Sochi.

Transport accessibility

You can get to the Eagle Rocks by city bus #3 or #120 to the stop "Old Matsesta", then walk 2.5 km up the mountain.