Stob pyramids

Overview

The Stob pyramids are one of the most popular among the tourists rock pyramids in Bulgaria. They are included in the Red Book of Bulgaria as a critically endangered natural habitat. They are located above the village of Stob, in the western part of Rila Mountain. They are a complex composition of sharp and needle-shaped, and for the most part pyramidal or conical earth shapes. Some of them end with "stone hats" measuring 0.8 - 1.0 m, resembling mushrooms. They are sculpted in old Quaternary Vilafran fluvioglacial deposits up to 30 - 40 m thick. The average height of the individual forms is 6 - 10 m, and the maximum is 12 m. Many of them are united in their base and form picturesque and very diverse groups. The color of the sediments varies from light yellow to dark brown and red. A small part of the habitat is on the northern slope, most are on the southern slope. In 1964, the Stob pyramids were declared a natural landmark. The most characteristic are the rocks, deprived of vegetation or with communities in the initial stages of development. Heat-loving and drought-loving sub-Mediterranean plants predominate. A local legend tells of the origin of the Stob pyramids: Many years ago a large plain stretched on the site of the pyramids. When there was a wedding or other event, the people of the village would run to the square and have fun. There were two young people in love in the village. The girl's mother did not agree to her daughter marrying her lover, but nevertheless the girl and the boy decided to get married. When the mother found out, she went to the plain, drove a large cross deep, and cursed her daughter when she kissed her father-in-law to turn all the wedding guests to stone. The wedding day has come. Everyone was very happy, only the mother stayed at home and prayed fervently for her oath to catch up with her daughter. When the dance danced all the way to the plain and the time came for the bride to kiss her father-in-law, at that moment all the bride and groom turned to stone. From that day in the village of Stob rise fabulous pyramids, reminiscent of an unforgettable story.