If you’ve ever been to Krasnoyarsk, you’ve probably been to Stolby. That’s a given that tourists visit this unique nature reserve as it is located within the city and not only pleases with its view from afar but also actively invites visitors. Moreover, many people come here not to see Krasnoyarsk but to visit Stolby. And these are not just rock climbers and mountaineers but everyone fascinated by the stunning views and unique atmosphere of this fabulous place.

In 1925, locals created Krasnoyarsk Stolby Nature Reserve in protest against the Soviet economic activities in this territory. Krasnoyarsk residents wanted to preserve the rare gift of nature given to them: at the beginning of the 20th century, the stones were used for construction and were destroyed along with the rest of the natural environment. The citizens managed to defend the reserve. Stolby is still home to various species of birds and animals, as well as plants from the Red List.

Translated from Russian, Stolby means “pillars.” There are several mystical stories about this name, although the main hypothesis is quite official: it comes from the bizarre shape of the selenite rocks, which usually look exactly like huge pillars. Their height is comparable to skyscrapers (from 60 to 90 meters). To make it clear, 60 meters is about the height of a 30-story building. Besides, scientists believe that they are about 450 million years old.

The name of the rock is syenite, but it is actually magma (consisting of feldspar, mica, and hornblende). It resembles granite but without quartz. Almost all the hundred rocks of the reserve have their names given due to the similarity of the stone to something or someone. For example, the popular Ded (“Grandfather”) rock looks like an old man with a beard. Not far from Grandfather, there is a whole “family”: Grandmother, Granddaughter, Great-grandfather, Twins.

“Stolbism”, a unique social phenomenon started by residents and tourists, was born in the reserve 150 years ago. It is a mass sport and aesthetic movement, based on free and collective rock climbing, visiting huts and camps, and much more.