Painted Stone legend: Uncovering Ukrainian Carpathians’ mystical wish-granting symbol

Wed, August 27, 2025 - 23:55

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Painted Stone legend: Uncovering Ukrainian Carpathians’ mystical wish-granting symbol

The mystical Painted Stone and its legend (photo: Wikipedia)

Author: Kateryna Shkarlat

The Ukrainian Carpathians have long preserved countless legends and mysteries, but some places stand out for their unique atmosphere. One of them is the Painted Stone near the village of Bukovets in the Verkhovyna district. This massive rock rising above the mountains has been considered sacred since pre-Christian times.

RBC-Ukraine tells where the Painted Stone is located, how to get there, and what an ancient legend says about this place.

What is the Painted Stone

The Painted Stone is a group of picturesque cliffs about 80 meters high, rising on a ridge near Verkhovyna. Numerous petroglyphs, carved symbols, and crosses have been preserved on it, which researchers date to various periods — from pagan times to the 19th century.

Local residents believe that the stone was a site for sacrifices and ritual practices. This is why it is shrouded in legends and exudes a remarkable energy.

The Stone got its name from the carvings (petroglyphs), the oldest of which dates back to the times of Kyivan Rus.

The Painted Stone can fulfill any wish (photo: Wikipedia)

Legends and beliefs

According to one legend, the stone was a sacred pagan altar (a kapyshche), where offerings were made to the gods to protect the village from natural disasters. The remains of the altar are believed to be the nine round cup-shaped depressions carved into the rock.

On the inner walls of some of these hollows, distinct marks from carving with a sharp tool can still be seen, and the bottoms of some have signs of burnt stone. Around and between the cups, there are more than 30 symbolic petroglyphs.

Another belief holds that molfars (Carpathian sorcerers) would gather at the Painted Stone, perform their rituals, and leave magical symbols.

There is also a legend about Cossack detachments that came here to rest, leaving crosses on the stone as protective charms.

And there is this folk legend:

"A long time ago, the surrounding mountains were inhabited by Carpathian tribes, who gave the Carpathians their name. These were giant people, like mythical titans, endowed with extraordinary strength. They rolled these stones here to immortalize their presence, buried their treasures, and covered them with rocks. Since then, people have come here to honor the powerful spirit of their ancestors."

The Painted Stone is shrouded in ancient legends and magic (photo: Wikipedia)

What tourists can see

Climbing to the top of the Painted Stone, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Chornohirskyi Ridge, and on a clear day, even see Ukraine’s highest mountain, Hoverla.

The path to the stone winds through spruce forests and alpine meadows, making the journey itself a small adventure.

Interestingly, the Painted Stone also bears the signatures of classic Ukrainian writers, historians, astrologers, and many other famous people.

Over the years, notable visitors have included Ivan Franko, Mykhailo Hrushevskyi, Mykhailo Kotsiubynskyi, Fedkovych, Hnat Khotkevych, Luk Harmatiy, Olha Kobylianska, Vasyl Stefanyk, Petro Shekeryk-Donikovyi, Vincenz, and many others.

How to get there

The easiest way is to travel to the village of Bukovets in the Verkhovyna district of Ivano-Frankivsk region. From there, you can either book a guided tour or hike to the stone on your own. The climb takes approximately 40–60 minutes, depending on your pace.

Why it’s worth visiting

The Painted Stone is not just a tourist destination — it is a place of power. Here, you can feel the spirit of the Carpathians, where history, myths, and nature intertwine. That’s why a trip here is recommended both for those seeking energetic balance and for anyone who simply wants to enjoy picturesque landscapes.

Folk beliefs

Local Hutsuls say that if you make a wish at the top while looking at the mountains, it will surely come true. And if you touch the stone on a clear day, you can receive the "strength of your ancestors."
If a woman walks around the cliff seven times through the Passage of the Gate, she will be cured of infertility.
On one of the ledges, to the left of Makovey’s signature, there is a painted cross that grants wishes — you need to press your forehead against it and make a mental request. However, the wish must not be material.

The Painted Stone in 2025 (photo: Tetiana Veremeyeva, RBC-Ukraine)