Steinerne Jungfrau, Prehistoric menhir in Dölau district, Halle, Germany.
The Steinerne Jungfrau is a prehistoric standing stone made of tertiary quartzite that rises in the Dölau district with a distinctive C-shaped cross-section. The stone's surface displays deep fissures carved into the material over thousands of years.
The menhir originated in prehistoric times and was venerated and modified by people over many centuries. During the medieval period, visitors drove iron nails into the stone, a practice whose traces remain visible in the structure today.
The stone monument carries a local legend about a giant maiden punished for wasting food during a storm, a tale that shapes how people understand and relate to the site today. This folklore connection reflects how communities attach meaning to ancient structures through storytelling.
The site is reachable via Neuragoczystrasse and sits near garden allotments with parking available close by. Wear sturdy shoes as the ground around the stone can be uneven and rough.
The monument stands as one of the tallest menhirs in Central Europe at roughly 5.5 meters high, ranking second only to the Gollenstein in the Saarland region. This height makes it a remarkable example of prehistoric stonework in the area.
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