Chalk quarries near the village of Pyshki.

In the Grodno region, among the hilly landscapes and green areas, there is a place that seems to have stepped out of a fantasy film or a painting by a surrealist artist. Just a few kilometers from the regional center, near the quiet and modest village of Pyshki, there are flooded chalk quarries. For locals, they are simply "Pyshki quarries", but for travelers and photographers they are a real point of attraction, a Mecca of industrial tourism and an object of desire for everyone who is chasing the perfect shot.

The history of this place is typical for many similar reservoirs in the country. Once upon a time, industrial life was in full swing here: chalk was mined, a rock formed millions of years ago from the remains of marine organisms. After the mining was completed, the quarries were abandoned, and nature took its course, filling the bowls with groundwater. This is how the man-made landscape has turned into a unique ecosystem.

The main feature that makes you freeze in place when you first look at a body of water is the color of the water. It is incredible, turquoise-azure, with a milky or aquamarine tint. It seems that you are not in Belarus, but somewhere in a tropical resort or by an alpine lake. However, the secret lies not in the purity (although it is also amazing), but in the chemical composition.

A high concentration of suspended particles of chalk and other mineral salts refracts sunlight in this way. The water here is opaque, dense, and depending on the weather and the angle of incidence of the rays, it can vary from pale blue to rich blue-green. The white chalk shores and cliffs, contrasting with the bright greenery of pines and shrubs, create the feeling of an alien landscape.

Silence and grandeur.

The shores of Pyshki quarries are picturesque and harsh at the same time. They are precipitous, steep and reach a considerable height. In some places, the chalk is exposed by snow-white rocks, in others it is overgrown with young forest. The water here is so clear (despite its mineral hue) that on a clear day you can see how far the shore goes under the water.

Standing on the edge of a cliff, you experience a twofold feeling: delight at the beauty revealed and a slight dizziness from the height and awareness of the depth under your feet. This place is ideal for long walks, meditative contemplation and, of course, photo shoots. Contrasting landscapes allow you to create images that collect thousands of likes on social networks.

The flip side of the coin: danger under the azure surface.

However, as is often the case with the most beautiful places, the quarries near the village of Pyshki are fraught with deadly danger. The external attractiveness and purity of the water are deceptive. For many years, this place has been notorious for tragedies - people have drowned here. That is why entry into the water is strictly prohibited and strictly controlled.

Why can't you swim in the turquoise lagoon?

1. Steep shores and a sharp drop in depth. The bottom of the quarries is not a gentle beach, but former industrial workings. I took a step, and instead of a meter under my feet, there might be a ten-meter depth.

2. Cold keys. The quarries are fed by springs and groundwater. Even on the hottest day, the water temperature can remain low, which can lead to seizures.

3. Unstable ground. The shores are made of chalk and limestone, which tend to collapse unexpectedly.

Rescuers and local authorities regularly patrol the area and install signs warning against swimming. Unfortunately, not everyone listens to the warnings, risking their lives for a quick swim.

Getting to the quarries is not difficult. They are located in the Grodno region, on the territory of the Podlabensky village Council. The landmark is the village of Pyshki, located just a few kilometers from Grodno. If you decide to go in search of this natural wonder, use the exact coordinates for the navigator: 53.6870, 23.7664.

The road leads through picturesque fields and woodlands, and already at the entrance you can see the characteristic white hills.

Instead of an afterword.

The quarries near the village of Pyshki are an amazing monument to the interaction of man and nature. Man has left a wound here in the form of deep pits, and nature has turned it into a precious stone.

Come here to enjoy the silence, see with your own eyes this incredible turquoise color, take spectacular photos against the background of white rocks and blue water. Take a deep breath of fresh air, listen to the birds singing, and be sure to return home. After all, the main purpose of the trip is not just to see a beautiful place, but also to keep warm memories of it, and not to become another line in the summary of incidents. Remember: true beauty requires respect and caution.