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Barstyčiai (Puokė) Stone

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The Barstyčiai (Puokė) Stone is the largest boulder in Lithuania, measuring 13.4 meters in length, 3.6 meters in height, and 7.5 meters in width. Weighing approximately 680 tons, this boulder is considered a geological monument and is listed in the Lithuanian records book. The stone was discovered in 1957 when its top was noticed protruding from the ground. Local legends recount that in ancient times, there was a pagan sanctuary at this location, which was allegedly buried by an enraged Perkūnas (the god of thunder). Today, this unique geological monument is a popular tourist attraction, symbolizing traces of nature and history.

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The Barstyčiai, or Puokė Stone, is the largest boulder found in Lithuania, with truly impressive dimensions: 13.4 meters long, 3.6 meters high, and 7.5 meters wide, weighing about 680 tons. This boulder was discovered during land reclamation works in 1957 when locals noticed the top of the stone emerging from the ground. At that time, the workers decided to fully uncover the stone, allowing it to be seen in all its glory. Since 1968, the Barstyčiai Stone has been recognized as a geological monument and was later recorded in the Lithuanian records book and included in the list of Lithuania's most important geotopes. The stone is closely associated with ancient Lithuanian legends. It is said that there once stood a pagan sanctuary

on this site, which was buried by the god Perkūnas as a punishment for the transgressions of a disobedient priestess. Thus, only the large boulder remained at the site of the sanctuary, which tourists today can visit as a unique natural monument. Another legend tells of the region being attacked—arrival of herring ships led by dragons, land ravaged by flames and storms, and vengeance sent by Perkūnas. It was then that the Barstyčiai Stone was formed, atop which, according to legends, a horned man sometimes sat, sadly ringing bells. Today, the Barstyčiai Stone is one of the tourist attractions in the area, representing not only the natural wonders of Lithuania but also the local mythology and historical heritage.

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