In the Zhytomyr region, there is a cluster of boulders called the Ukrainian Stonehenge, which is associated with many legends and mystical stories. This Stone Village is a mysterious landmark in northern Ukraine. Find out how it came to be, what fascinates and attracts visitors, and whether it really contains traces of God himself

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If you move east from the village of Rudnia-Zamyslovytska in the Korosten district of Zhytomyr region, you will come across the geological reserve Stone Village. This cluster of boulders, each of which is up to 5 metres high, is often called the Ukrainian Stonehenge and various - even incredible - theories are put forward as to its origin. The reserve is overgrown with myths and fascinating legends, popular among locals, folklorists and television crews. Read more about Ukraine's Stonehenge, its origin and location in Visit Ukraine's article.

How did the unique cluster of boulders in the Zhytomyr region come to be?

The most popular theories of the village's formation are two: the first is that the boulders were brought by a glacier, and the second is that they are the remains of ancient mountains.

Scientists believe that Stone Village is an element of the Ukrainian crystal shield, as no glacier remains have been found here, and there is no reason to consider this area mountainous either.

Legends of the hobbit village

Has the Lord himself ever been here?

Once upon a time, God decided to come down to earth and walked right through the village that once stood on this spot. He asked a man for bread, but instead he got a stone in his bag. When God left the village, he looked around and the houses instantly turned into boulders. As a reminder of the visit, a huge bare footprint remained on one of the boulders.

The struggle between light and darkness over the stone hillfort

According to another legend, Jesus and Satan fought here. The latter lost, leaving huge claw prints on the rocks. And Jesus, on his way to heaven, took a few steps over a large stone - and his footprints remained. Nowadays, there is a ladder attached to this stone - pilgrims come here to touch the shrine, get health and make cherished wishes.

And locals say that hobbits, the underground dwellers from Norse legends, live here.

Interesting facts about the Ukrainian Stonehenge

1. Visitors can try to squeeze between the ‘God's’ and ‘Devil's’ stones - according to legend, a sinner will not pass here.

2. British researcher Andy Jones believes that the Ukrainian geological monument is of extraterrestrial origin and is a platform for landing aliens.

3. It is impossible to determine the exact age of the boulders.

4. According to one of the legends, it was here that the Drevlyans executed Ukrainian Prince Igor.

5. There is a compass stone with cracks on it that clearly point to the four cardinal points.

How to get to Stone Village?

By your own car:

It is better to travel to Stone Village by your own car. You need to drive through Korosten along the Warsaw Highway to Olevsk, and from there to Rudnia-Zamyslovetska. This is a 22 km dirt road.

By public transport:

Olevsk can be reached from Zhytomyr by train or bus. Buses run according to the schedule of the local bus station, and the train departs from the local railway station at 10:42 (journey time - 3.5 hours).

Suburban buses from Olevsk to Rudnia-Zamyslovetska run irregularly:

- on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday at 5:55;

- on Sunday at 12:30;

- on Tuesday and Friday at 13:50.

Tickets can be purchased here.

To book tickets, arrange insurance, and create an optimal itinerary according to your physical and aesthetic needs, please contact Visit Ukraine specialists (Telegram | WhatsApp). We guarantee that your trip will be unforgettable at every stage.

Photo: My Ukraine