Kamyanne Selo, Geological reserve near Rudnia-Zamyslovytska, Zhytomyr Oblast, Ukraine
Kamyanne Selo is a 15-hectare geological reserve east of Rudnia-Zamyslovytska in Zhytomyr Oblast, within Zamyslovytske forestry. Groups and single boulders of red coarse-grained granite, 4 to 6 metres high, rise among common oak, with birch, aspen, rowan, pine, pear and wild apple. Moss and relict ferns such as common polypody cover the stone, and the boulders' outlines recall village houses, a square, a school and a church.
The boulders are red coarse-grained granite of the Ustynivka subtype of the Kyshyn series, 4–6 m high. Two origin theories exist: a glacier brought them 20,000 years ago, or they are the eroded base of vanished mountains. Both are unlikely, as no glacial deposits occur nearby and the site lies outside the Dnieper glaciation's reach. Most likely they are denudation remnants, like those at Sidlach and Chortiv Mlyn.
The name Kamyanne Selo comes from a legend: a rich village refused bread to an old man who was God, and the village turned to stone. Many boulders resemble village houses, with a "square", a "school" and a "church".
The reserve lies in the Zamyslovytske forestry east of Rudnia-Zamyslovytska, in a forest massif with no marked trails; access is on foot through the woods. A ladder is placed against the boulder bearing the "footprint of God", which pilgrims climb to touch the mark. The moss-covered granite is slippery after rain, and the 15-hectare site has no facilities, so bring water and food.
The "footprint of God" is a large impression of a bare foot on one boulder, reached by a ladder placed against it. Believers say it grants health and fulfils wishes. Many other boulders resemble village houses, with a "square", a "school" and a "church" among them.
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