Manpupuner, the Seven Stone Giants of the Urals

The Manpupumers, also known as "The Seven Giants", are a mysterious series of rock formations located to the west of the Ural Mountain range which is one of the most remote areas of Russia. These 7 majestic stone pillars stand in the Troitsko-Pechorsky District, in the autonomous republic of Komi, and have been named among the 7 Wonders of Russia. The monoliths measure a height ranging from 30 to 42 meters and are arranged in a circle, 6 of which are close together and lined up on the hill, while the 7th is located just a short distance away.



These geological columns date back 200-300 million years and are the result of erosion caused by wind and ice during the last ice age. Some researchers also believe that the pillars could be of karstic origin, or formations caused by the dissolution of soluble rock layers.



There are many legends that revolve around the Manpupumers, one of which tells the story of the pillars being a group of live giants headed towards the Vogulski Mountains with the intention of destroying the Mansi population. The shaman of this population managed to save his community by petrifying the giants with a ceremonial drum.



It is not easy to reach the pillars, as the territory is somewhat hostile and isolated, surrounded by tundra, steppe and mashes. Some tourists come by helicopter, while other more adventurous types face 3-day journey head on from the nearest village. This is a place of inestimable charm and despite it being quite a tourist attraction, it still remains relatively unknown among mass tourism.

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