Magura Cave
Magura Cave is one of the largest and most famous caves in Bulgaria. Located in the Vidin region, near the town of Vidin and the village of Rabisha.
Magura Cave is located inside a mountain formed of limestone rocks. The mountain has a height of 461 m above sea level. The formation of a cave is a natural process, initially unrelated to human actions. The entire interior stretches for a length of about 3 km. There is one main gallery and 3 of its branches and 6 halls of different sizes and scales. In the cave you can see a huge stalagmite 20 m in height and 12 m in girth.
It is known that the cave has been explored since the time of the ancient Romans. Since 1927, the Magura Cave and its contents have been studied by professional archaeologists. Most of the cave complex is open to the public today. Tour groups are recruited every hour. For more comfortable movement, there are paths, bridges, railings, and organized lighting.
Attractions
The main asset of the Magura cave are rock carvings, according to archaeological data, they were applied in the Bronze Age of 3100-900 years BC, which makes them the oldest rock carvings in Europe. Researchers identify 700 drawings, among them schematic designations of men, women, animals, scenes from life, hunting, natural phenomena, the sun and stars. Some believe that the solar calendar, which is 366 days long, is depicted in this way. The oldest paintings are still being studied today, so it is unlikely that you will be able to see them during the tour.
In 1974, one of the halls of the Magura Cave was used for an interesting experience. People suffering from diseases of the respiratory system, in particular asthma, were left here for observation. Stable temperature (11-12 degrees), high humidity, absence of extraneous noise, constant ionization and dim lighting had a positive effect on health. His general condition improved, and his acute seizures stopped. The hall has been called the "Sanatorium" ever since.
The "Triumphal Hall" is the first hall that welcomes visitors to the caves. It is noted that the caves have excellent acoustics, so musical performances are periodically held here.
There is a special convenient entrance for tourists to the Magura cave. In front of the cave there is a parking lot and a shop where you can buy wine, which is stored in one of the halls (it is believed that these are ideal storage conditions). To visit the cave galleries, it is recommended to have comfortable shoes, gloves and a flashlight with replaceable batteries.
