Probably you will not find even a dozen people who decided to buy a flat in Bulgaria because they want to take up speleology, rock climbing and treasure hunting. But, having already moved to this country and adapted, many begin to travel actively and discover new things. Such a discovery may be the mysterious and unique caves of Bulgaria. Each of them is unique, connected with legends, history and, of course, treasure hunting.
The largest caves of Bulgaria
Even if you own a magnificent flat in Varna, for once forget about your affairs and set off on a journey through the caves. Once you leave your home, townhouse or cosy residential complex with a swimming pool, you will learn that in the Pernik region there is Duhlata, 18 km long. And the deepest cave is located in the village of Zimevitsa in the Sofia region. This is Kolkina dupka (hole), 540 m deep.
The cave formation with the most terrifying name is Devil’s Throat. Perhaps, on hearing it, you will be seized with the desire to leave Varna at once, cover 500 km by car and enter the opening in the ground which once resembled the head of the devil in its shape. By the way, here is the largest underground waterfall on the Balkan Peninsula – water plunges from a height of 42 m.
Many young people from Ukraine, Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus buy property in Bulgaria and decide to get married here. Why go to a registry office or the local administration? It will be far more romantic if a wedding in Bulgaria is arranged in the ceremonial hall of the Yagodinska Cave, created by nature itself and decorated with stalactites and stalagmites. After the wedding you can take a walk through the tunnels – the length of the route open to tourists is 10.5 km. To some the journey will seem an eternity, while others will hardly forget the fairy-tale characters, Father Frost and bats they saw here.
W
e invite those who cannot imagine life without music and go to concerts every week to visit “Ledenika” (450 km from Varna). The acoustics here are excellent, and one of the halls is called the concert hall. Like the ordinary halls, it has various decorations. Only they are of natural origin and their shapes resemble not ancient Greek sculptures, but Father Frost, Baba Yaga, a falcon, a crocodile and a giant.
They say that God himself may turn his gaze on you not only in a church, but also in a unique creation of nature – “Prohodna” (362 km from Varna). Under the influence of erosion, two openings have formed in the ceiling, called the «Eyes of God». The light penetrating inside whimsically illuminates the rock formations and transports travellers into a fairy-tale world.
Another famous cave of Bulgaria is “Devetashka”. The beauty of this cave and the nature around it will enchant you. The Hollywood film «The Expendables 2» was shot here. This natural landmark is located near the village of Devetaki. The nearest town is Lovech (18 km). You may also come across other names for the cave – Oknata or Maarata. The cave is renowned for its huge halls (one of which is 500 sq.m.) lit by the light penetrating from openings in the vault. A stream flows through one of the halls.
Caves near Varna
Everything we spoke about earlier is located rather far from Varna. It is more convenient to travel around the Varna region. To date, more than 70 cave formations rich in stalactites and stalagmites have been discovered here. The main part is located on the border with the Burgas, Dobrich and Shumen regions. Most are small caves without lighting or safety facilities.
One of the most famous is located under the Aladzha Monastery near Golden Sands 17 km from Varna. The cave is a labyrinth 300 m long. According to one theory, it was formed on the site of the Sarmatian Sea, which 12 million years ago covered all of South-Eastern Europe. According to another, it is of artificial origin – stones were quarried from it for years.
On the territory of the «Vodenitsite» eco-park in the Varna region there are:
- “The Hermit’s Cave”. Located 80 km from Varna next to the village of Sladka Voda. It is a small underground hall which can be reached along an eco-trail.
- “Marche dupka” – a natural rock formation 38 m deep, also located next to Sladka Voda. It has the shape of a tunnel without branches.
- “The Goat Cave” is a niche 210 m long, situated at a height of 163 m above sea level next to the village of Komunari. From the niche a magnificent view of the valley and the mountains opens up.
- “Slepa dupka”. A small rock formation, going down to a depth of 20 m, is situated next to the village of Partizani.
If they wish, the residents of Varna can also discover the cave formations of the neighbouring Burgas region. Here, near the village of Mladezhko, several caves are located, the longest of which is “Brezhanka”. Its length is 67 m.
In search of treasures
Legends about hidden treasures are connected with almost every cave in Bulgaria. They are printed in books, passed on from grandfathers to grandsons, told over a glass of wine while admiring the view of the sea from a flat in Varna, Albena, Byala or Burgas.
Most legends are connected with Valchan Voivoda, who out of revenge robbed the Turks and hid treasures in the Strandzha mountains of the Burgas region. It is believed that near the river Ropotamo, in Arkutino, and near the village of Ruen, dozens of kilograms of gold are hidden.
Love of the sea, a good climate, the friendliness of the local people – these are some of the reasons why citizens of Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Kazakhstan decide to buy property in Bulgaria. And after moving they discover unique places for themselves – waterfalls, mountains, caves, and the stories and legends connected with them.
The Bulgaria Avenue company will select the best property in Bulgaria for you, and will advise on all matters related to relocation and obtaining a residence permit / permanent residence.
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