Bulgaria, officially the Republic of Bulgaria, is a country in Southeast Europe. It is bordered by Romania to the north, Serbia and North Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, and the Black Sea to the east. The capital and largest city is Sofia; other major cities are Plovdiv, Varna and Burgas. With a territory of 110,994 square kilometres (42,855 sq mi), Bulgaria is Europe’s sixteenth-largest country.
Why to Choose Bulgaria
The country is remarkable for its variety of scenery; its rugged mountains and relaxing Black Sea resorts attract many visitors. Like other nations of the Balkan Peninsula, Bulgaria claims a mix of Eastern and Western cultures, and the mingling is evident in its cuisine, its architecture, and its religious heritage. Though located in western Bulgaria, the capital, Sofia, is neatly positioned near the geographic centre of the Balkan region, and in nearly every other respect it occupies the central position within Bulgaria
If you are lucky enough to have lived in Bulgaria as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life it stays with you, for Bulgaria is a moveable feast.
Stefan Kolarov
Prohodna Cave is one of the most famous and easily accessible caves in Bulgaria. It lies 2 km away from Karlukovo Village and 112 km away from Sofia.
The cave is a natural 262 m long rock bridge. It has two entrances – a big and a small one. A path beginning at the approximately 35 m-high small entrance crosses the cave and goes out through the big entrance (the biggest cave arch in Bulgaria – 45 m).
Prohodna Cave is naturally lit thanks to its large entrances and cave holes – natural holes on the ceiling. These cave holes are precisely what makes the cave unique. Situated next to each other and having similar almond-shaped forms, the cave holes bear striking resemblance to giant eyes that seem as if they are staring at the visitors. It is not by chance that local people sometimes refer to them as The Eyes of God. Seen from a specific angle, they even resemble a face that looks down, and when it is wet it seems as if they are “crying”. People who witness this natural phenomenon are astonished and a little excited – the incredible symmetry and location of the cave holes fill one with awe and a sense of mystique. The cave was declared a natural landmark in 1962. Several Bulgarian and foreign films were shot there. One of them is Time of Violence (1987).
Bungee jumps are organised from the big entrance. Prohodna Cave is a popular destination for climbers. There are sport climbing routes divided into several sectors.
What You Can Expect
Accommodation is available at the mountain hostel, but visitors are advised to make a reservation in advance. There is a junction on the Lukovit – Karlukovo road leading to the office of the speleological society.
The office building of Peter Tranteev National Speleological Society and the Prohodna Cave are included in the list of the 100 tourist sites in Bulgaria. The cave is open for tourists all year round. A guide is not required. In the cold winter days, visitors should mind the huge icicles forming on the ceiling and around the cave holes and the slippery surface.
