Altai Stonehenge is called the Tarkhatinsky megalithic complex - an ancient archaeological site in the Altai Republic. It is called sacred and even "a place of power." And scientists say that many centuries ago the complex served as an observatory. We will tell you what is known about Altai Stonehenge and why tourists come here.
The Tarkhatinsky complex consists of stone blocks laid in a circle with a diameter of 60 m. They are adorned with cave paintings that date back to the late Bronze - early Iron Ages (around 1200 BC).
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The main hypothesis of scientists about the purpose of the Altai Stonehenge: for the ancient people, the complex served as an observatory. The four largest stones - megaliths - are located so that they are a kind of "gateway" for the Sun during sunset and sunrise.
The Tarkhatinsky complex is also called the ancient "sacral center".
In addition to four megaliths (gates), another one is distinguished, which is called the "Cradle of Sartakpay". In shape, the stone resembles an armchair or a cradle with one side back. He is credited with a wonderful ability - to help women get pregnant.
Because of this belief, tourists bring and leave here dolls, bracelets, jewelry, coins, tie ribbons on a bush growing nearby. The stone even had an additional name.
How to get there
From Biysk to Altai Stonehenge - about 560 km. The route will pass through Strostki, Maima, Manzherok, Seminsky pass, Kurai and Kosh-Agach.
In Kosh-Agach you need to turn towards the sign for the village of Dzhazator. There, along a dirt road, we go up to 25 km - the outskirts of the Chuya steppe. There are large stones to the left of the road. This is the Tarkhatinsky complex.
