Eagle Rocks in Sochi: the place where Prometheus was chained
The unique natural monument is located 12 km from the center of Sochi, in the Matsestinsky forestry of the Sochi National Park. People come to the rocks to breathe in the clean mountain air, admire the Caucasian forests, high peaks and birds soaring over the cliffs. The light mountain ledge is composed of yellow sandstone and limestone, so the rocks were called “White” earlier. Hiking trails through the Agurskoye gorge allow you to see not only rocks, but also rare Pitsunda pines, beautiful waterfalls and caves.
History
Legends about Prometheus, who was chained to the rocks, exist not only in Sochi. According to more ancient legends, one of the ancient Greek titans suffered in a completely different place – in Colchis or Scythia. Despite this, the legend of the Sochi Prometheus took root in the Black Sea resort.
Terrible Zeus punished Prometheus for giving people fire and chaining him to a rock. The evil eagle flew to the hero every day and pecked out his liver, so the rocks under Matsesta were called “Eagles”. Local residents in their own way supplemented the ancient legend. They talked about the modest girl Agura, who came to Prometheus every day, healed his wounds and quenched his thirst, thereby easing endless suffering.
The bold act of the girl did not pass by Zeus. Furious, he threw Agura down, and she turned into a river that runs at the foot of the cliff. More than 20 years ago, a figure of Prometheus, created by a sculptor from Omsk, Alexander Kapralov, appeared on the top of the rocks.
What to see
The height of the Eagle Rocks is impressive. They rise 126 meters above the Agura Valley and 379 meters above sea level. The journey from the bus stop takes about an hour. The climb does not require any particular physical form, but for toddlers and the elderly, it can be exhausting. In the summer, it is better to leave early so that you can get back before the exhausting heat.
From above, there are magnificent views of the wooded valley of the Agur River and the surrounding mountains. Chugush, Achishkho, Pseashkho, Sugarloaf and the Aibga ridge with a height of 2462 m are visible at a glance.
There is a small cave near the cliff, where tourists are allowed in for a fee. For safety, everyone is given a helmet. It is not the cave itself that is interesting, but a metal staircase leading into it, which is fixed on a steep cliff.
Eagle rocks at different times of the year
Eagle rocks are striking in their beauty at any time of the year. In spring and summer, it is full of greenery. Lush pines, oaks and hornbeams grow around. It is pleasant to visit the Sochi landmark in autumn, when there is no extreme heat. At this time, nature changes colors from green to yellow and orange, so the surrounding slopes are painted with bright colors.
In winter, the rocks are also good, but it is better to choose clear weather for walking. On a cloudless day, mesmerizing snow landscapes open up from above.
