The baffling Şona Pyramids near Făgăraş

How many of us believe in mysticism and magic? If one asks children this question, most of them would say, that giants, witches, and fairies do indeed exist. There was a time when women were put to trial for being witches, when curses were cast, and when demons were thought to roam the earth. Today, the majority of people believe almost entirely in science and have lost their belief in the baffling supernatural. But, in each of us still lies a little child, that yearns to discover something out of the ordinary, something magical. Otherwise, why would tv shows like Game of Thrones, Supernatural, and Stranger Things be so successful? Wish to be perplexed? In this case, the enigmatic pyramids of Şona near Făgăraş should do the trick.

The Şona Pyramids, Făgăraş

Șona, România

Overlooked peculiarities

Romania still is a land of old customs, superstitions, and legends. Maybe our most famous folk story is about Dracula, but the myths about Bigăr Waterfall and the Baciu Hoia Forest are still worth mentioning. In my country, one can even take a stroll in the midst of legends in Braşov. There are so many beautiful places here with history attached to them that it is easy to overlook the 8 mounds shaped like pyramids. Called the pyramids of Şona, these formations have an unclear past. It is not sure when they were formed, or why, yet there are many speculations. Their ambiguous nature has started to attract curious tourists, though there are still few who know of their existence.

Located mere 5 km away from the city of Făgăraş, in the village of Şona, there are 8 hills of pyramidal shape. They are spread across 2 rows, and the highest hilltop has an altitude of 30 m. Scientists believe that the pyramids have formed due to landslides, about 10.000 years ago. Many frequently dispute these beliefs. Archaeologists have found traces of ancient inhabitants at the base of these pyramids. Ceramics, spearheads, an urn with ash, an axe, and even a tomb were discovered. These findings prove that these triangular hills held meaning to the primordial dwellers. 

Are the pyramids tombs?

Egypt’s pyramids in the Valley of the Kings are known worldwide. They were the resting places of pharaohs, their subjects, and their pets. Only the most affluent members of society could afford these particular burials. Over time, Celts passed through Romania’s lands. They also had the custom to bury their chieftains under hills with riches. Some of them were buried on Romania’s territory. The pyramids of Şona can have tombs under them, of Celts and Daco-Romans alike. Because this scenario is highly likely, treasure hunters have roamed the area across time. Some even started digging a tunnel under one of the 30 m high pyramids. They managed to dig a 5-6 m long tunnel before the police arrested them.

Hills of legends

When it comes to strange shapes of land in Romania, rest assured that they will have at least one folk tale behind them. One of the pyramid’s legends is about princess Şona and her army. The story goes that giants trespassed on her lands, planning to take her kingdom away. Şona marched with her army and defeated the giants. The hills supposedly are the corpses of the titans covered by soil. The second myth also concerns these tall beings. The elders of the village talk about the giants who had a lot of mud on their shoes. In their story, which was passed down from generation to generation, the hills were formed by the mud which fell from their shoes after shaking them.

It doesn’t matter if you are a true believer of legends, giants, or hidden tombs. It is ok if your feet are anchored into reality, and not focused on the what if’s of the world. The baffling pyramids of Şona can be admired through many prisms. Through their unusual shape, the landscape that you can witness when you climb them, or through their exciting stories. Whichever you choose, prepare to be amazed by these strange formations near the city of Făgăraş. Maybe they’ll make a mysticism believer out of you yet!