Dovbush Rocks

Dovbush Rocks have many names — the Stone Flower of Prykarpattia, the Stone Giants, the “Bubnyshche” Rocks — names that underline their significance as a historical witness and cultural asset. The tourist site is located in the Bubnyshche tract, 6 km from the village of Bubnyshche. Its height is 668 m above sea level, and it formed more than 70 million years ago.

According to historical records, Dovbush Rocks were a place where ancient tribes and local people found shelter from frequent Mongol-Tatar attacks. Locals say the stones are like a protective amulet, giving protection to anyone who needed it.
Many stories and legends are connected with Dovbush Rocks. According to them, a large Mongol-Tatar horde tried to capture the settlement. The inhabitants defended themselves bravely, but the enemy was larger in number. Only at the last moment did one of the girls take a drum and begin to beat it, calling on the rock to help the people. The rock parted and hid the villagers behind it. The Mongol-Tatars had to retreat. After that, with the help of the drum, the girl warned her fellow villagers of possible danger, looking into the distance to see whether enemy troops were approaching. It was because of this event that the village received the name Bubnyshche. 
The name of the rocks themselves comes from a legend linked to the opryshky movement. The main version was set out by the Polish writer Franciszek Karpiński. In his view, Oleksa Dovbush had magical powers. He fell in love with the wife of a wealthy peasant, Stefan Dzvinchuk. But the love was not mutual. Dzvinchuk and his wife killed the rebel, shooting him with a silver bullet that was meant to stop Dovbush's magical power. Oleksa, mortally wounded, was carried to the rocks by his comrades, where he bled to death and died. Another legend says that before his death, O. Dovbush managed to hide his treasures in the rocks. Whether this is true or not, no one has found them to this day. 
Dovbush Rocks are called a place of power. Perhaps because someone restores their energy here, while someone else manages to feel lightness in their soul after passing through the “Devil's Gorge”. This is a narrow passage 20-22 cm wide, formed between the rocks, which not all visitors to the site are able to pass through. However, legend has it that everyone who passes through the gorge cleanses their soul of sins. Whether this is true or not — it is worth checking for yourself!
The rock massif consists of boulders of various shapes and sizes. Seen from above, the rocks resemble a flower with 22 rock petals. Each of them has its own name, but only one is the most popular among tourists — Oleksa's Heart. Anyone who wants their cherished wish to come true should touch this stone and make a wish. 
Dovbush Rocks are popular with climbers for good reason. They are not only ideal for training, but also a hard-to-reach site that is enjoyable to conquer. So when heading to the rocks, it is worth wearing the most comfortable and practical clothing possible: sports trousers and sneakers or trainers are the best option for any warm weather.
The route to the rocks starts from the Polianytskyi Waterfall; beyond it are the first small rocks. The route is quite popular, so it is hard to get lost when walking along the beaten path or following other tourists like yourself. Along the route, you can rest in one of the equipped gazebos. Usually, the whole way to Dovbush Rocks takes about 40 min. It will not be easy, but such a climb is worth getting to know one of Ukraine's places of power.