Devetashka Cave: A Journey Through Time and Nature

Devetashka Cave, also known as Maarata or Oknata, is located 18 kilometers northeast of Lovech and 2 kilometers from the village of Devetaki. This impressive karst cave boasts a history stretching back 70,000 years, with evidence of human habitation from the Early Stone Age. The cave served as a shelter for ancient humans and later as a military storage site and even a filming location for The Expendables 2.The cave's entrance is a staggering 35 meters wide and 30 meters high. As you venture inside, the cave widens into a spacious hall covering 2,400 square meters, with a height of 60 meters, reaching up to 100 meters in some areas. Sunlight streams through seven holes in the ceiling, illuminating the central hall and creating a magical atmosphere.Two fields branch off from the main hall. The left field extends over 2 kilometers, with a small river flowing through it and into the Osam River. The right field is warmer and drier, leading to a rectangular hall and a gallery known as the Altar. Devetashka Cave is also an important hibernation spot for over 30,000 bats, including several species listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The cave is closed to visitors during the summer months to protect the bats' breeding season.While exploring the cave, you can see stalactites, stalagmites, and unique geological formations. Remnants of its past as a military storage site, including concrete bases, are also visible. A bridge constructed for The Expendables 2 remains as well. Devetashka Cave is a natural landmark protected by law since 1996, offering a glimpse into Bulgaria's ancient past and natural beauty.