Friday, April 18, 2014

Kuklici - Stone Dolls

 


Last Sunday we visited the geological reservation "The Merry Wedding" known among the natives as "Kuklici" ("kukla" in Macedonian means "doll"). The reservation is a masterpiece of nature, yet there is a legend associated with this place.


It says that a young man was in love with two girls, the first rich but plain, the second poor but beautiful. He arranged marriage with both of them, but on the day of the wedding he decided to marry the rich girl. 

Upon hearing the procession, the poor girl came out to see if her bethroted one is coming with the guests only to find out that he was marrying the other girl. Angered and devastated she cursed them to petrify the moment they kiss. So the whole procession turned into stones. 




The two big rocks in the middle are the bride and the groom and the two smaller ones at the sides are the brother in law and the maid of honor. The stone doll behind them is the best man. There are about 148 dolls.

 
Here's the best man in full view. 

 
The guests
 
 

Still, the creator of the characteristic erosive forms, also called earthen pyramids is the powerful nature. The stone dolls are created from volcanic mass in the period between the Eocene and Pliocene. These erosive forms are 10 million years old and they were created by vertical erosion of the volcanic rocks. Scientists believe that this area was once under salty water, because scrapings taste of salt.  




Apart from the stone dolls, fossil remnants of dendo flora were also found here.




This is one of those places worth seeing in person. 

10 comments:

Ana Love Craft said...

What an amazing place!!! I love this post, I'm a geology lover! So I can imagine the emotion of being there! Thanks so much for sharing this stunning pics.
Happy Easter!
Hugs from Portugal,
Ana Love Craft
www.lovecraft2012.blogspot.com

homemade@myplace said...

Beautiful Maya!!!!
I'm a geologist and I know these formations (but I didn't know about the legend : thank you!!!!), since my University times!!!!!
Have a Happy easter holiday, xxxxx ale

Divya N said...

wow - what a story!! Nature is indeed a wonderful creator, who creates even while destroying. Wishing you a happy easter weekend

Linda said...

Isn't nature amazing Maya, thank you for the telling of the legend behind these natural rock formations. Your photographs are beautiful and it must have been awesome to actually be there in person :-)

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Very cool! That is a place that I would love to see. Thanks for sharing! Best wishes, Tammy

Cindy said...

Reminds me of Goblin Valley, Utah.

Unknown said...

That is an amazing story you are telling us here Maya and such a beautiful place to visit! Wish we'd known about this fabulous location when we visited Macedonia, but thanks to you it's now moved to our wish list ;-) Happy Easter!
Ira’s Crea Corner

KJ@letsgoflyakite said...

Thank you for sharing Kuklici with us! I would love to see it in person one day. The legend is wonderful. Over 15 years ago, I had a chance to see the rock formations in Utah and they left such an impression.
Happy Easter Maya!

Eska said...

I love the stories that go with natural wonders like this. It really makes them that much more special.

ByLightOfMoon said...

These are just awesome, thanks for sharing with an armchair traveler!

Smiles, Cyndi