Russia will always find something to surprise. The untold riches of our homeland make travelers go to the most secluded corners to find amazing places. One such corner will be discussed further. This is the "Stone Bowl" near the city of Samara.
The natural landscape complex is located in the national park "Samarskaya Luka". "Stone bowl" (Samara) is a place where two ravines (Stone and Shiryaevsky) merge into one, forming a round extension, from a height resembling a huge cauldron, the walls of which are covered with moss and grass. Among the centuries-old trees, snow-white rocky ledges appear, from under which springs of crystal clear forest water gush. Like guards, magnificent pine trees lined up along the edges of the "Stone Bowl", the crowns of which protect this magical place.
How to get there
Many are interested in the question of where the "Stone Bowl" is located and how to get to it. It is no secret for residents of Samara and the region that any route starts from the village of Shiryaevo. It should be noted that the complexityEveryone chooses travel for himself. There are several ways to get to the healing springs. It can be a simple pilgrimage trail, which can be easily passed even with children, or a more complicated road, on which tourists even get up for the night to admire the surroundings once again. But the most advanced travelers, armed with a backpack and a sleeping bag, can pave themselves the most difficult and long route in order to enjoy the tourist hardships.
Drive by car
Many are interested in where the "Stone Bowl" (Samara region) is located, how to get to it, in which village to stay. All climbing routes start in the village of Shiryaevo. You can get to it in three ways: by a regular bus from Samara, by a river bus along the Volga, or by your own car. Consider the last option.
Practically all residents of Samara or Tolyatti know where the "Stone Bowl" is located. How to get there - now you will find out. From the city of Samara, you need to go along the bypass road to Tolyatti. From it, through the hydroelectric power station along the highway, head to the city of Zhigulevsk. There, through one of its microdistricts (Yablunovy Ravine), go to the village of Vali. In it, you need to turn around almost 180 degrees and head towards the villages of Bakhilovo and Zolnoye. After you pass the village of Bogatyr, you will find yourself in Shiryaevo. Although the road is not close (it takes about 3.5 hours), it is very picturesque. We recommend not to rush, but it is better to stop somewhere on the banks of the Volga andspend the night, and in the morning go to Shiryaevo and climb.
"Stone bowl": how to get there by water
Water trips along the Volga are even more attractive than a bus or car ride. The journey starts from the main river station in Samara or at the pier "Polyana Frunze". Depending on where you start your journey, the walk on the water will take 3, 5 or 2 hours.
There are a lot of sights around the protected area. Of course, it is simply impossible to see them in one day. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you take a tent with you, drive to Shiryaevo and stay near the village for the night. In two days you will be able to see the legendary Monastery Hill, and Molodetsky Kurgan, and all other sights.
Ascent to the "Stone bowl"
The "stone bowl" is hidden in the Shiryaevsky ravine, to which you need to walk or drive 10 km from the village. Of course, you can use a car, the dirt road and partial asph alt will allow you to do this, but the beauty of the surrounding nature is so amazing that it will be much more pleasant to walk or bike this way.
The road to the mountain starts to the left of the pier. At first it is good, paved, 200-300 m long. As soon as you see the memorial, the road will go to the right near it and become worse, unpaved. The ascent is very picturesque, especially since from a height there is a beautiful view of the village, which remains on the left side, and on the right - old adits.
Further road, notwinding, will lead you to the "Stone bowl". On the way you will meet a source. This is a sacred place, which annually attracts thousands of believers. Near it there is a chapel and a bath. If you want to drink holy water or swim, then try to arrive at the ravine as early as possible, otherwise you will have to stand in line for half a day.
"Stone bowl": the origin of the name
As you know, the landscape park is located in the Zhiguli mountains. This is the only place in the area where groundwater is located so close to the surface of the earth that it forms springs. Many centuries ago, there was much more water, and, flowing down the slopes, it fell into the junction of the ravines, filling a small round stone formation resembling a bowl. Hence the name.
Now there are only three sources left. They are small and fill a small stream that flows at the bottom of the ravines.
The Legend of Fyodor Sheludyak
One of the most common legends tells about an associate of Stepan Razin - Fyodor Sheludyak. It is with his name that the history of the origin of the "Stone Bowl" is connected. Fyodor Sheludyak led one of the equestrian detachments of the rebellious Cossacks in the middle of the 17th century. When Stepan Razin was defeated and after a long siege the last fighters of Sheludyak surrendered, he, not wanting to fall into the hands of the tsarist army, rushed from a high cliff to the stones, but did not break.
The stones parted under him, and Fyodor was swallowed up by the Mistress of the Zhiguli into her possession. But the young man in the mountains did not know happiness, and, yearning,died. The Mistress could not stand such sadness either. She mourned for a long time for her friend, until her tears filled the holy springs. And now the Mistress of the Zhiguli is grieving that she has no more friends.
Holy water and golden chalice
There is another legend, according to which the spring itself with holy water arose. This story is about one of the village girls who hid a golden cup stolen from a demolished church. After some time, the girl returned to the ravine in search of her treasure, but she could not find it. But here she had a vision. The Mother of God thanked her for saving the jewels, and in the place where the bowl was buried, a stream broke through.
Mysterious area
"Stone Bowl" attracts not only hikers and pilgrims. Surprisingly, ufologists often come here. They are sure that "Samarskaya Luka" is one of the energy poles of the planet. The reason for this is unusual megalithic stones, whose age exceeds several million years, and some even left prints of prehistoric plants and animals. According to esotericists, these plates have the ability to absorb and accumulate the energy of the sun, which is why alien ships are used as batteries. There are even witnesses who claim to have seen a UFO in the sky above the mountains.
Should I believe it? You decide. The main thing is that the "Stone Bowl" is another amazing fantasy of our nature, which is beautiful in anyseason.
