The "Stone Graves" reserve has an ancient history. A huge number of myths and legends are laid around it, which are still alive to this day. Since ancient times, this place has been used as a sanctuary, as evidenced by the petroglyphs.
What are "Stone Graves"
"Stone graves" are an isolated sandstone massif located in the Molochnaya River valley in the Zaporozhye region of Ukraine.
According to one of the versions, it is believed that the "Stone Graves" used to be a sandbank of the Sarmatian Sea. After complete drying, only a sandy massif remained, which soon turned into hard sandstone.
Currently, the "Stone Graves" is a sandy hill with an area of about 3000 square meters. There are piles of stones up to 12 meters high along the entire perimeter of this hill. Interestingly, among these heaps there are a huge number of natural voids, such as grottoes and various passages.
After careful examination of the stones, about 30 rock carvings were discovered. Scientists have come to the conclusion that earlier this place was used as a kind of sanctuary or ritual place.
How to get to the reserve "Stone graves"
"Stone Graves" have become one of the most popular places due to intriguing stories and drawings that are shrouded in mystery. Undoubtedly, those who come to rest on the Sea of Azov simply must visit there.
There are many ways to get to the reserve. If you decide to visit the reserve by your own vehicle, then it is best for you to start your journey from Mariupol. After driving several tens of kilometers along the Zaporozhye highway, you will soon find yourself in the urban-type settlement “Volodarskoe”. After leaving it, you should turn to the village "Nazarovka". This place is a nature reserve, therefore, after driving a few kilometers in the direction of the village, you will stumble upon the management of the reserve.
If you do not have your own car, do not worry, from Mariupol itself (bus station No. 2) there is a regular bus "Mariupol-Kalchinovka" that runs daily.
There is also a second way - a regular bus that runs from the Rozovka station in the Zaporozhye region. Unfortunately, it is about two hours of walking to the reserve from it. You will have to walk about 12 kilometers. From the station you need to walk 1 kilometer towards Volnovakha. As soon as you see a crossing, turn right. Soon you will come to the village "Luganskoe", which you also pass by. In a couple of kilometers there will be a turn to Nazarovka, and you will be there.
There is a shorter path, which is only 7 kilometers, but, not knowing the terrain, you will quickly get lost there, so you should refuse it.
It is also possible to travel from Melitopol by regular bus number 2, which departs from the central market and goes straight to the "Stone graves".
From the same station to the reserve can be reached by bus, which goes along the route "Melitopol - town. Peaceful ". From this village to the reserve 15 minutes.
