Soksky galleries in Samara: history and excursions

As you know, the Soka tunnels are recognized as one of the longest and most intricate caves in Russia. Among the local underground depressions, they occupy the first place, and among the worlds are in the main four. Before the caves began to collapse, the length of them was as much as 53 kilometers, and now only 30 have survived. The most dangerous part is about 27 km in length. I must say that this system of all available is the most difficult and long lasting.

Hunters for sensation

Many journalists go thousands of kilometers to write about an object like the Sok galleries, an interesting and exciting reportage. Also this "mysterious place" is interested in many speleologists and geologists who are engaged in practical science.

There is not a single resident of Samara who has never heard of or even suspected that these caves can actually exist. Where are the Sok galleries? The caves are located near the village of Krasnaya Glinka. There is also the Sok quarry.

Violating all prohibitions

Sure, it's very dangerous here. But the thirst for the unexplored increasingly attracts people to these places. Caves are full of unsolved mysteries. They say that here you can still hear the sounds of a hammer falling on stone blocks.

Officially, one can not enter the Sokskie adits. Excursions to this place are strictly prohibited by local authorities, as regularly reported in the media. However, this does not affect the flow of tourists who want to look at this amazing place with at least one eye. Perhaps, after reading all this and inspired by the beauty embodied in the photo, many, regardless of the taboo, decide to go to the caves, having thrown all the affairs and worries into the "long box". There is no doubt that before traveling to Krasnaya Glinka it is necessary to make your own route, even if it is invisible, but existing in your head.

Soksky galleries. How to get there?

There is public transportation. From Aurora can be reached by 392 minibus. From the glade Frunze go numerous minibuses (Nos. 392, 113 and others) to the stop "DPS". Direction - Tsarevschina. By car, take the Krasnaya Glinka highway to the ring, then turn right.

Soksky galleries (Samara) are picturesque and pleasing to the eye of visitors and native people with beauty, diversity and exoticism, albeit with a touch of danger.

Unusual energy

On the planet Earth, there are a huge number of completely different energy-filled zones. Somewhere, people complain of worsening of the state and a general decline in strength, but somewhere, on the contrary, they blossom and they want to start life anew. An excellent proof of this is the ecological center called Samarskaya Luka. By the way, each place has its own unique energy message, which affects human health: someone, for example, in the cemetery, there is a real hysterical reaction, and someone walks there quite calmly, moreover, with a feeling of warm sadness and a certain Peaceful joy.

It is very difficult to convey to other people the feelings and emotions that arise when visiting the galleries. Of course, the experience of staying in such places is of great importance here: people already know what is needed for the trip, what to expect, etc. Nevertheless, the feelings that were received at the first visit are always in memory.

To understand what kind of feelings are, you should carefully study your own experiences and impressions. Most often, judging by the reviews, this place gives a feeling of the fear of death, loneliness and silence. It is very strange that these emotions do not leave the cave visitors at once, but only become brighter and brighter. It is also surprising that not one person catches such energy, but everyone who has ever visited the Sok galleries. So what is the horror and danger of this territory?

Work on a career

In the not so distant times (what is a couple hundred years in the context of the history of our planet?), Working prisoners extracted underground limestone. For days they drilled the earth and carried tons of stone by carts. At night the rocks were blown up, and in the afternoon they were crushed. Then the Sok quarry was a strategically important object.

But, in addition, the Soksky tunnels have become the last refuge of thousands of people. Mortality was enormous. People died not only from overwork, hunger and thirst. For prisoners there was absolutely no provision for safety. Their bodies were often found under the rubble of the rock. All tragic cases in the Sok galleries can not be listed.

The middle of the 19th century gave rise to the capitalist political structure of the country, therefore, the need to recruit forced citizens was virtually reduced to zero. According to many historical sources, in 1898 the number of working inmates in Siberia was 310 thousand people. In the pre-revolutionary period, in 1912, the number of exiles for unknown reasons reached its apogee and amounted to approximately 184 thousand people. Further, when the war broke out, the situation changed a little, since many people who were serving time volunteered to serve in the army. In this regard, the number of slaves fell to 36,468 people. However, soon everything changed again, and the country was overtaken by a new wave of links.

Difficult times

During the 1930s, prison inmates ceased to exploit a set, hoping that their work could at least cover the expense item for the maintenance of "not so remote" places. However, 1929 became the year when the government of the country decided to make the activity of correctional labor camps lawful . This was carried out with the goal of turning the colonies into separate areas and using the resources of nature.

It was from this time on that the government decided to tighten legislation and expand the camp network throughout the country. At the same time, collectivization and the establishment of the famous "five-year plans" are falling on the "shoulders" of the Union, for which it was necessary to fulfill a definite plan for the extraction of resources or the development of lands.

These were tough times. Today in some places in Russia you can touch that terrible past. Soksky galleries are not just caves. This is a place of pain, fear and inhuman work.

Virtual excursion to the gallery

Those who do not dare to go to this mystical place can learn about it from others.

According to experienced travelers, the most suitable equipment for visiting:

• Rubber boots.
• Warm pants.
• Jacket.
• A cap.
• Pullover.
• It is desirable headlamp and another one in the hand.

Be sure to bring your brakes. Time flies here imperceptibly, and soon the feeling of hunger can darken all impressions. But at the same time it is necessary to calculate the carrying capacity of the backpack, since it will have to be worn constantly with you.

First meeting

Basically, everyone enters the caves through the "central" entrance. This is an ordinary one and a half meter hole in the mountain. There is a magazine in which everyone who enters the dungeon is recorded. It is necessary to specify the time of arrival, the number of people and the planned visit time. The output is also marked. Immediately after the entrance the galleries appear in their original size (diameter about 6 meters). Of particular value in those days was limestone without any impurities. Under the ground, its layer was about 8 m. The production began from the north of Tip-Tyva.

Initially, the entrance was quite high. Before him was a mound. When the galleries were closed, rubble was taken from this quarry along this road.

The farther from the entrance, the more travelers envelop the darkness. But the eyes quickly adapt to it. Nevertheless, no lights can be dispensed with here.

Safety regulations

The galleries are undoubtedly of interest to tourists. But the trip here is accompanied by the observance of numerous safety rules. The risk factor here is extremely high.

• The air of the dungeon is cool and damp. The temperature does not exceed 7 degrees. In summer it is cold here, but it's hot in winter.
• A bonfire is strictly prohibited, since almost all the fasteners under the ground are wooden and can easily ignite. And this is a danger to life. When burning, carbon monoxide and other toxic fumes are formed here. Ventilation is practically non-existent, and it is possible to get sick at the moment. In the caves, fire is not as terrible as smoke. It is said that logs can self-ignite. But so far it's only rumors. According to experts, the level of humidity is increased underground, so this is unlikely.
• But collapses here happen quite often. In this regard, it is strictly forbidden to touch the stones. In narrow corridors, whenever possible, avoid touching the ceiling.
• There is no natural light under the ground. It is better not to use candles here. Lantern on the mobile phone will not last long either. It is better to take with you several powerful light sources. In the pitch darkness itself can not get out of here. Most of the tragic cases are due precisely to the fact that visitors were simply lost due to a failed flashlight. In 2002, there was a precedent: a person had to spend 14 days in an impenetrable part of the caves, until forwarders brought him outside.

Dangerous place

For 50 years of desolation, the memory of the past is still felt here. This is why travelers from all over Russia seek every year. But the danger is waiting for them at every step. Collapses, carbon monoxide, total darkness, bats are all the true companions of the dungeon. Therefore, one should be extremely cautious when visiting the Soka tunnels. 7 people died in 1999 due to carbon monoxide poisoning. The names of four students and three lifeguards remained forever engraved in the stone walls. After that, the entrance to the caves was filled up. But the most curious still find ways to get inside and explore the Soka adits. The dead could have avoided the sad fate, if they adhered to elementary safety techniques. Rumor has it that they lit a fire and fell asleep.

Despite all prohibitions, today in the Sokskie galleries are still guided tours. Experienced conductors introduce preliminary safety precautions. As a rule, such trips take no more than three hours.