Devetashka Cave
Lovech
Devetashka Cave is a large karst cave located near the village of Devetaki, northeast of Lovech, Bulgaria. The cave extends approximately 2.4 kilometers and features a massive entrance hall measuring 2,400 square meters with ceilings reaching up to 60 meters high. It was continuously inhabited by paleo-humans since the Middle Paleolithic period, with earliest traces dating back around 70,000 years, and contains one of the richest Neolithic artifact collections in the region. The cave is also a vital habitat for diverse fauna, including nearly 30,000 bats of 15 species, many of which are protected and listed on national and international red lists. The cave's natural formations include impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and multiple ceiling openings that allow natural light to illuminate the interior. Devetashka Cave has also been featured in Hollywood films such as "The Expendables 2," though filming raised environmental concerns due to disturbance of the bat colonies. Today, it is part of a public park with nearby attractions and is closed to visitors during the bats' breeding season from early June to late July to protect its wildlife.
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Tip: Visit Devetashka Cave outside the bats' breeding season (early June to late July) when the cave is closed to protect wildlife. It is recommended to check local conditions and park information before visiting, as access paths can be challenging in wet weather. Consider purchasing tickets or joining guided tours in advance where available. Respect the protected status of the cave and avoid disturbing the bats and other wildlife.
Interesting facts
- •The cave hosts nearly 30,000 bats from 15 different species, making it one of the largest bat colonies in Europe.
- •It was used as a secret military storage site and for petroleum storage during the 20th century.
- •Devetashka Cave features in the Hollywood action movie "The Expendables 2" (2011).
- •The cave contains an enormous hall with an area of 2,400 square meters and ceilings up to 60 meters high.
- •The cave is a key paleo-ornithological site with fossil remains of 136 bird species from the Middle Paleolithic period.
- •During filming of "The Expendables 2," environmental violations occurred, including disturbance to the bat population, but the bats largely returned by 2012.
History
Discovered in 1921, Devetashka Cave has been the subject of archaeological excavations since the 1950s, revealing continuous human occupation since the late Paleolithic era.
Historically, the cave was used for food storage by the state reserve and later as a secret military site.
In the 1950s, it was also utilized for petroleum storage, with large tanks near the entrance until the early 21st century.
The cave gained international attention when it was used as a filming location for major Hollywood productions in the 2010s.
Over the centuries, the cave’s natural and cultural significance has been increasingly recognized, leading to its protection as a natural monument and wildlife refuge.
Place Guide
Main Cave Hall
A vast chamber inside Devetashka Cave measuring 2,400 square meters with towering ceilings up to 60 meters high. It features natural domes and several large openings in the ceiling that allow daylight to illuminate the interior, creating a majestic atmosphere.
Altar HallNeolithic period (6000–4000 BC)
A notable chamber within the cave where archaeological excavations uncovered rich Neolithic artifacts. This area is named 'Altar' and its findings are part of the regional historical museum's exhibition.
Bat Colonies Habitat
The cave is home to 15 species of bats, including several listed in the Red List of endangered species. It is one of Europe's most important hibernation sites for bats, with colonies numbering over 30,000 individuals during winter.
