Called the Polish Stonehenge, they attract tourists eager for secrets every year. The beginnings of the "Stone Circles" go date back to 1958, while the circles themselves come from the period of Roman influence. These are the largest stone circles in Poland and the second largest in Europe!
Archaeological excavations has shown that it is a cemetery consisting of family tombs. Probably Goths of the Ist and IInd centuries AD. There are 12 different-sized circles and 30 burial mounds in the reserve. The smallest circle has a diameter of 15 m, and the largest 33 m. In each of them there are from 16 to 29 stones sticking out of the ground to a height of 20 to 70 cm. One or two stones are placed in the center of the circle.
More than 600 graves have been discovered in the burial mounds, which are 8 to 12 meters in diameter. During the conducted research, among others, traditional ornaments and Roman pottery.
The arrival of the Goths in these areas dates back to 70 CE. during the period of Roman influence. The Goths probably settled here for about 150 years. Burials of members of this culture took place in the above-mentioned burial mounds with a stone embankment, in stone circles and in the flat part of the cemetery, where all graves were initially marked with the so-called steles, flat, vertically placed plates.
Stone circles in Odry, photo: Pomeranian Voivodeship
It is also worth emphasizing the natural values of this place. In 1992, in the course of specialist research, as many as 40 species of lichens and 6 species of mosses were defined, which cover these mysterious boulders. The lichens living here are characterized by slow growth, and their age is determined by the size of the thallus and its growth during the year.
An interesting fact is the presence of high-mountain species here, which are impossible to meet in the lowlands.
Stone circles in Odry, photo: Pomeranian Voivodeship
The reserve also hosts cultural events related to the culture of the Goths. September is a special month, then the mysticism is added to this place by beautifully blooming heathers. To the sounds of Celtic music, you can taste great dishes, learn how to make clay pots or watch a Gothic fashion show.
Read more: Pomeranian Stonehenge
