Description
With twelve large interconnected chambers and a total length of 2500 metres, Magura Cave is one of the most extraordinary caves in Bulgaria. Magura Cave is located in the northeastern part of Bulgaria, 17 km from Belogradchik, in the Rabisha limestone mound (altitude 461 m).
It is one of the largest and most beautiful caves in Bulgaria. This cave is over 15 million years old. As the cave has many large chambers with a constant temperature of 11-12 degrees and a humidity of over 80%, it has been successfully used for asthma treatments.
Some of the rooms are so large - up to 21 metres high - that they host Christmas and Easter concerts.The cave has long been inhabited by prehistoric species. Today, several species of bats live in the large cave. They can be seen hanging from the ceilings of the huge rooms and they also hover around; you can almost touch them. Some bats prefer to stay in the isolated part of the cave where the wines are kept. This area has been made inaccessible by an artificial wall. Nevertheless, the bats can fly through an opening. In the past, there was another isolated room where asthma patients were treated.
One of the most surprising aspects of the cave is the profusion of wall paintings.
Engraved into the walls and decorated with bat droppings.
The paintings depict silhouettes of women, men dancing and hunting, people wearing masks, animals, stars, tools and plants. The paintings date from different periods - Lower Palaeolithic, Neolithic, Upper Neolithic and Early Bronze Age.
A solar calendar from the Late Neolithic is the first solar calendar found in Europe. It is painted on the walls of the sanctuary and represents 5 festivals and 366 days. Scientists have several theories about the age of these murals, which range from 6,000 to 9,000 or 12,000 years old depending on the theory.An isolated part of the cave is used for the production of sparkling wine, as the conditions in the cave are similar to those for the production of French champagne.
When you leave Magura Cave, it is best to use the transport provided for the return journey to the car park. The limestone hill is home to many curious inhabitants that can make your hair stand on end.
After your visit, it is worth making a diversion to the Magura wine estate.