The Devetashka Cave is a unique natural and cultural phenomenon. Its favorable living conditions have attracted the attention of people from ancient times. In fact, the proximity to the river Osam, wild forests and arable land made the cave a great place to settle. According to the archaeological excavations, the cave was first occupied by humans 70,000 years before Christ. This continued for centuries until the Middle Ages. Objects found here testify to the centuries of settlement in this cave.
Today the cave is one of the most beautiful natural phenomena in Bulgaria. The cave is about 2.5 kilometers long, and is located northeast of the village of Devetaki, on the right side of the river Osam. The cave entrance is 30 by 35 meters. It takes us into the largest underground cavern not only in Bulgaria, but in the Balkan Peninsula. Lit by seven holes in the ceiling, it occupies an area of 25,000 square meters. The maximum height of this hall is 58 meters. The largest hole is 73 by 48 meters. The water that flows through the caves comes from 14 different sources.
The cave is a refuge for 45 different species of animals, even more if you include the animals inhabiting the rocks around the entrance. Eleven species of bats make their home inside the cave. It is one of the three most inhabited of its kind in Europe, with colonies reaching up to 60,000 bats. It is therefore important to ensure that your visit respects the fragility of these small creatures. It is absolutely forbidden to cause a disturbance or touch them, as depending on the weather, it can be fatal for them. Special attention must be paid in the period of June 1st to July 31st. The best time to see them is at sunset, when they leave the cave through the holes.
Cave
Bulgaria
Macedonia
Romania
Devetaki