Shum Gora is basically a man-made hill, one of the largest in Europe. Seismic studies showed the presence of pathways and chambers inside it. Several smaller burial mounts can be found in Shum Gora’s vicinity.
Shum Gora is believed to be one of Rurik’s possible burial sites. According to legend, Rurik died in late autumn, when he and 12 of his companions were seriously wounded. Instead of digging a grave, the prince was laid to rest, with his companions lying around him, inside a man-made hill clad in limestone. It is also believed that Rurik had a golden coffin or a sarcophagus, with multiple treasures surrounding him. However, neither treasure hunters, nor researchers have been able to find these treasures, although otherwise quite a few interesting artefacts were unearthed here.
