Photos

  • Сырный Камень. Photography 1
  • Сырный Камень. Photography 2

Description

Cheese Stone, named for its porous structure, reminiscent of cheese. The origin of these ancient monoliths is attributed to an earthquake that occurred 80 thousand years ago. This place is considered a place of power, where powerful energy is felt. The ancient Ubykh peoples who inhabited the territory of Sochi considered this place sacred and worshiped their goddess Bytkha near the stone.

Location

The Cheese Stone is located on the eastern slope of Mount Bytkha on the Shakaliny Rocks.

How to get there

It is very easy to get here, but you can wander a little due to the lack of signs. The entire slope is trampled by paths, but they will all lead to the right place if you stick to the eastern direction. The walk will take 2-3 hours.

Public transport

Ride to the final stop of bus 98 and at the fork in three roads, go right. From here the distance will be 1.5 km one way.

By car

Drive to Kraevogrecheskaya St. 22/30a.

Route

  1. Pass the famous residential garages of Sochi and the construction site.

  2. Enter the forest along the path paved with tiles from the 1930s.

  3. Follow the path, going up and down the steps.

  4. Several paths will go to the left, along which you can get to the stone.

  5. I recommend walking to the top of Mount Bytkha and starting the descent from there.

The top of Mount Bytkha

Having reached the top of Mount Bytkha, you will find yourself in a clearing. From here, follow the path that goes to the left, moving down, without turning anywhere. Soon you will come to a small clearing on the cliff.

Shakal Rocks

You are at the top of the Shakal Rocks. If you look closely, you will see the Cheese Stone in front of you from behind. On its top grow two trees: a linden and an oak, intertwined with each other, but one of them is broken by the elements of nature.

The Stone Chaos tract

The Stone Chaos tract on the eastern slope of Mount Bytkha is one of the most striking protected areas in the central part of Sochi. According to scientists, about 80 thousand years ago, as a result of an earthquake, the rocks here split, creating incredible expositions of giant stone megaliths.

Features

  • The Cheese Stone is a huge block of sandstone with bizarre weathering forms reminiscent of holes in cheese.
  • Trees grow on the fragments of stones.
  • In the middle of the forest, the famous "gallows oak" spreads its branches on a high cliff.
  • The place is considered a sacred altar of the Ubykhs, where the grotto of their winged goddess Bytkha was located.
  • The stones are covered with green moss and surrounded by Colchis vegetation, which gives them a fascinating look.
  • Dolmens are mysterious ancient structures, the age of which is determined to be 4-6 thousand years.

Useful tips

  • The walk will take 2-3 hours, take water and a snack with you.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on rough terrain.
  • Be prepared for the lack of signs and possible wandering along the paths.

I recommend visiting this amazing and mysterious place in Sochi!

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