If you climb the mountain Ceahlau on the route bookmarked with a red line, that start at the Cabin Fantanele – Piatra Lata – Panaghia – under the peek Toaca and that goes up to the Cabin Dochia, you’ll encounter an imposing stone called Panaghia Stone.

There are few stories about this rock but the most beautiful and interesting one is the legend that was presented to us by the writer Calistrat Hogas. He says that Panaghia was a beautiful girl that the Fates took her on the mountain in the cave of the monk Ghedeon to protect her from the envy of people.

Because the girl was so beautiful people say that the Sun fell in love with her and because of that he wanted to see her more and more often. Soon the night became shorter and the dusk and dawn were almost in the same time. Angry on the Sun the Night went to God and told him about what was happening.

God punished the Sun to only rise in mists and clouds so that the mortals couldn’t see his beauty. Panaghia wept day and night because she couldn’t saw her beloved Sun no more. She prayed to God to turn her into stone and to release the sun from the clouds.

Her prayers were listen and God turned her into stone but her hurt and soul remained alive forever. Now, in the days that the Sun shines on the mountain, people say that Panaghia is reunited with her love. Read about other legends from Ceahlau Massif!