Talovsky Bowls: description and attractions

Talovsky Chalices in the Tomsk region - a well-known in our country natural monument. It is located near the village of Basandayki, in the upper reaches of the river of the same name, in the area of the railway station "41 km platform" in the valley of a small nameless stream. The attraction is 40 km away from Tomsk.

A few historical facts

For the first time the Talovskiye Chashi (photo you can see in our article) were mentioned in 1895 in the work of the professor of the faculty of geology of Tomsk University AM Zaitsev. The mineral composition of these travertine deposits was investigated and described later (1988) by VA Bazhenov.

Talovsky Bowls: description

In the Tomsk region, there are several places where various forms of calcareous rocks appear on the surface of the earth. One of the most interesting cases of the appearance of calcareous tuff are the Talovsky Chalices. These calcareous formations are really similar in shape to the bowls. They consist of limestone tuff, formed by waters that come out to the surface of the earth, which contain a lot of lime. Travertine (calcareous tuff) is a porous light rock, usually light gray.

At depth, groundwater is enriched with calcium carbonate. In water at a comparatively large depth, a large amount of carbon dioxide is contained, which contributes to the dissolution of calcium carbonate. Going to the surface, water largely lose carbon dioxide, and some part of the water evaporates. To the saturation limit, the concentration of calcium carbonate approaches, and it falls out as a precipitate.

Big bowl

Today there are seven Chalices, located in two groups - four large and three, and according to some documents, five smaller vessels. The largest of them is the Great Cup. This travertine pool is about two meters wide and about three and a half meters long. The height of its walls is about fifty centimeters. The depth of the bowl is about one and a half meters. The riverbed is just over two meters. The thickness of the walls of the Bowl is increased to the base. The water temperature is +5 ° C. Old residents of these places claim that water was used to blow water from the fountain earlier. Now there is no previous pressure, and the water level has significantly decreased.

Local legends (not verified) tell us that the Great Cup was tried to be transferred to the church. Remains of logs, which are supposedly needed to raise the bowl, are visible even today in the water of the tank. From the Great Chalice closer to the stream were two more cones. Now in their place you can see the rounded depressions located in the valley of the stream.

Small Bowl

Very beautiful and small cup. It is a small spring with a long travertine gutter. Its diameter is just over a meter. There are three more smaller vessels. It is interesting that despite the fact that the Talovy Chashi were described at the end of the 19th century, locals discovered them about 50 years ago. Immediately, an archaeological group was sent to Tomsk. Experts during a week studied the composition of the bowls, examined the water and unraveled the riddle of the appearance of unique structures.

I must say that there is still no exact answer regarding their appearance. But there are two possible versions. Some researchers believe that the Talovsky Chalices (Tomsk) are artificial, others claim that it is the Grail that came to us from myths and their age is several million years. Evidence in favor of this or that version does not exist - only assumptions and guesses.

The famous landmark of the Tomsk region is located in the forest, on a glade with an area of about 300 square meters. All bowls have a mouth, from which surplus water flows. At the same time at the Little Chalice the water continues to flow along the limestone shaft for about ten meters. The water is magnesian-calcium, slightly mineralized.

In winter it does not freeze and flows, forming brooks on the ground and underground. If the Bowl is to jump, then a couple of moments later you can see bubbles of carbon dioxide that will begin to rise to the surface. And of course, it is worth trying water - it is very tasty, especially in the summer heat. In the people it is believed that the Talovsky Bowls are filled with medicinal water, which helps with skin and eye diseases, with gastrointestinal diseases.

How do the Chalices increase?

Water constantly pours over the edge of the vessels and thus creates more and more layers of salt. In addition, the process of metasomatic replacement of moss is actively under way, which affects the growth of travertine bowls. This is a symbiosis of bernesite (manganese mineral) with moss and calcium bicarbonate.

Legends

Talovsky Chalices are covered with numerous legends. The most common of these is that it is a prototype of the Holy Grail. Traditions about him came to this land from Western Europe.

The legendary Holy Grail was a cup in which was the blood of Christ, in connection with which it acquired miraculous properties. The possessor of such a vessel predicted the future, could influence human destinies, accomplish great, but certainly good deeds.

As follows from this legend, the tribes are ready, who roamed from Europe to the eastern regions of Siberia, brought the prototype of the sacred cup and fixed it on the local lands. Then the Goths moved west, leaving the legends about the famous bowl. Since ancient times it is believed that the Grail was safely hidden in the vastness of Siberia. The same legend confirms that on the bank of the Ob, in the territory of present-day Tomsk there was also the kingdom of John.

Regardless of whether this story is true or not, the Talovsky Bowls are gorgeous: large oval-shaped vessels, covered from the inside by a rare mineral - bernesite. An interesting legend, as well as the beauty of this natural object, its originality caused the Talovsky Chalices to be included in the list of Tomsk Miracles.

A small area where limestone vessels are located, has become very popular among tourists. It's not difficult to get here in winter and in summer. Talovsky Bowls are part of a complex ecosystem that is fairly easy to break. Therefore, I would like to encourage all visitors to this place to remember this. The garbage left, the places from the fires, muddy water in the vessels and trampled grass - this often looks like this unique place after visiting it by some tourists.

Visiting rules

This place has always been of interest to tourists. For this reason, until recently, the area around it was in a very deplorable state. But more recently, the staff of the PAs have completely cleared the territories and now very strictly follow the order. Before entering the protected area there is a shield, which lists the simplest rules that should be followed when visiting it. Of course, if you want your children and grandchildren to see this natural attraction after you: extinguish fires, do not leave garbage after yourself, do not break and do not destroy green plantations, etc.

Talovsky Chalices (Tomsk): how to get there?

The popular landmark of the city is located near the village of Basandayki (Tomsk region). And he, in turn, was removed to 45 km from Tomsk. To get to the village, you need to use the train that runs from the train station in the morning and in the evening.

In addition, the village of Basandayki can be reached by bicycle or skiing (depending on the season) or walk on foot, if the weather permits. The distance from the Platform 41 km platform is no more than 3.5 km.

Driving by car

For sure, motorists will also want to visit the Talovsky Chalices (Tomsk). How to get there by car? Quite simply. From Stepanovka to Mezheninovka a good asphalt road is laid. Having reached the village Mezheninovki, turn in front of the sign on the right to the gravel road and follow it for another four kilometers.

On the right, through an aspen grove, you will see the railway platform you need. It is easy to find a trampled lawn where you can park the car. Then you should go to the stop, cross the railway tracks and walk along the embankment in the opposite direction from the city. At the verst column with the inscription "41 km" turn off to the right, into the forest. Approximately after ten meters you will leave on the road drifted by quadrocycles. On its track go forward 3.5 km.

Where to stay?

To the right of the protected area is a number of tourist sites. This place is suitable for short-term rest: here there are campfires, special places for tents, there are laid paths to the forest areas where you can prepare firewood. If you are not confused by the Spartan lifestyle, then this kind of parking will suit you.

To everyone who comes to the Talovsky Bowls but would like to stay in more comfortable conditions, we recommend staying in one of the hotels in Tomsk or renting a room in the village of Basandayka.