If you like travelling in the Carpathians, you should definitely visit Dovbush Rocks. This mysterious, legendary corner will definitely leave a mark in the heart of every tourist. Many centuries of historical events lie on the shoulders of these stone giants.
These mighty giants were a refuge for the ancient tribes that inhabited the Carpathians, they withstood the Mongol-Tatar invasion and for centuries served as a fortress for the local population. It doesn't matter if you are a peasant fleeing from the lord's oppression or a warrior defending your native land, Dovbush Rocks have become a fortress for you.
The monument of nature and history is located in the tract Bubnyshche, near the village. Drums of Ivano-Frankivsk region. The distance from the village to the rocks themselves is about 2.5 kilometres of dirt road. The rock-cave complex rises to a height of 668 meters above sea level and is a massive rocky outcrop of sandstones formed at the bottom of the Paleogene sea more than 70 million years ago.
Dovbush Rocks are often called "Bubnysky". This is the name of the nearby village. Among the locals, there is a legend about the attack of the Mongol-Tatar horde. Prykarpattya fought desperately against the enemy, but he was more numerous. When there was almost no hope, a young Boyko girl asked for shelter in a rock. At the moment when she was almost captured by enemy forces, the rock parted and hid the girl.
The Mongol-Tatars were pelted with stones and the army retreated. When the battle was over, the girl climbed the mountain to see if the enemy was approaching again. When she saw the threat, she loudly beat the tambourine and warned of the danger. According to legend, the name of the village - Bubnyshche.
This beautiful legend is just the "tip of the iceberg" of stories and legends that you risk plunging into by unwinding this tangle. Dovbush rocks are actually rich in historical events. Here in different periods, there was an ancient sanctuary, and a semi-folklore fortress of the princely era, as well as a stronghold of the Opryshkiv movement. The latter is associated with the better-known name of this natural monument - Dovbush Rocks.
There are probably fewer historical facts around the figure of Dovbush than legends and mentions in folklore. Historian Mykhailo Hrushevsky wrote about both the rocks and Oleks himself, and Ivan Franko dedicated a number of works to the rocks. Songs about this place and about Oleksa Dovbush are mentioned in the literary almanack "Mermaid of the Dniester" (1837), which was published by the "Russian Trinity". Who was actually sung in Oleksa Dovbush's songs? A simple robber who plundered for profit, or a national hero and avenger? He lost his thirst for wealth and recognition, can the old world like "Cherchez la femme" ("Look for a woman") fit here?
According to legend, O. Dovbush was endowed with sorcery, which was restored among these rocks. An interesting story of his love is told to us by the Polish poet František Karpinski. He is convinced that Oleksa was killed by a wealthy peasant, Stefan Dzvinchuk, whose wife Dovbush loved. Stefan and his wife agreed to kill the rebel and give his body to the Polish nobility for a reward. He was shot with a silver bullet over which "seven priests read prayers for seven days and seven nights to break a powerful spell." It was believed that this was the only way to kill Dovbush.
His brothers took him to the rocks, where he died of blood loss. Other legends say that in these rocks you should look for hidden treasure. The entrance to the hiding place is covered with a stone and can be opened with a special spell. But whether the famous man really visited these rocks, and even more so stopped here - is not known for sure.
Very famous among tourists "Devil's Gorge" 20 centimetres wide. According to legend, all who pass through it will get rid of sins. It is a good place for climbing, and you can often see climbers here. In the stone rock, there is an ancient well 5-6 meters deep, which can be reached by stairs. If you want to relax and catch your breath, there is a hut nearby, where you will be treated to traditional Hutsul dishes, without which it is difficult to imagine a holiday in the Carpathians.
Location - Ukraine; Ivano-Frankivsk region, Bolekhiv City Council, southwest of the village of Bubnyshche
Coordinates of the rock - 49.043495, 23.680006
My Pinmapple map.
