Externsteine: the magic of stone giants (9 photos)

The bizarre accumulation of huge rocks of various shapes and sizes in the Teutoburg Forest near Horn-Bad Meinberg has long attracted the attention of tourists. Local residents believe this is the creation of the Prince of Darkness himself.





Researchers have put forward different theories about the origin of this place, but none of them have been confirmed. Interestingly, in the Exere stones there are stairs and passages that are clearly man-made. Some places resemble a space equipped for addressing the gods.



There is a version that the five giant columns were used by sun worshipers several thousand years ago: inside one of the niches there are remains of an altar. The sun's rays enter here through a specially made round hole. Key points of the sanctuary are located at points where waterways intersect.





The walls of the structure are decorated with bas-reliefs and statues. Ritual symbolism that was used by ancient Germanic tribes abounds here. This, for example, is the image on the outer part of the wall - “The Descent from the Cross”, in which symbols characteristic of both Christianity and paganism are intertwined.



Locals call the forest around the structure the Grove of the Gods: all the trees in it are lined up in one line.



A special mystical and energetic component is felt by numerous pilgrims who come to climb the rocks and feel their ancient power.