Description:
Explore the enigmatic megalithic structures of Vera Island, located in Lake Turayaka in the South Urals, Russia. Discovered in 2004, these structures, estimated to be 6,000–8,000 years old, include stone dolmens, burial structures, and megaliths weighing up to 17 tons, with some exceeding 100 tons in total. Key findings include Megalith Number One, a well-preserved temple-like structure with chambers and animal sculptures, oriented west-east, and other megaliths with precise stonework and astronomical alignments.
The island, spanning 6.5 hectares, also features underground passages, a quarry with evidence of copper tools and wooden wedges, and ritual sites like fireplaces and altars. These discoveries suggest advanced Neolithic engineering and possible cultural ties to sites like Stonehenge and Mediterranean dolmens.
Ongoing research since 2004, supported by a 2024 federal budget of 12 million rubles, highlights the site’s significance. Unanswered questions include the builders’ identity, their tools, and the structures’ purpose. Vera Island, accessible by boat from May to October, attracts tourists seeking its serene energy and historical mysteries.
