Bacho Kiro Cave
Gabrovo
Bacho Kiro Cave, located near Dryanovo in Bulgaria, is a remarkable natural feature embedded in the canyons of the Andaka and Dryanovo Rivers. Discovered in 1890 and opened to visitors in 1938, it was named after Bulgarian revolutionary Bacho Kiro. The cave extends over 3,600 meters with 700 meters accessible to the public, showcasing a labyrinth of galleries and corridors illuminated by electric lighting since 1964. Visitors can admire beautiful speleothems including stalactites, stalagmites, and unique formations named evocatively such as The Sleeping Princess and The Haidouti Meeting-Ground. Beyond its natural beauty, Bacho Kiro Cave is of immense archaeological significance, housing some of the oldest human remains in Bulgaria dating back approximately 46,000 years. These fossils have been identified as Homo sapiens and provide critical insights into early human migration and interaction with Neanderthals. The cave's archaeological layers have yielded ancient ornaments and artifacts linked to the Aurignacian culture, making it a key site for understanding the Initial Upper Paleolithic period in Europe. The cave combines natural wonder with profound historical and scientific importance, attracting both tourists and researchers alike.
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Astuce: The best time to visit Bacho Kiro Cave is during the warmer months when the surrounding area is accessible and comfortable for hiking. Guided tours are recommended to fully appreciate the cave’s geological and archaeological significance. Tickets can often be purchased on-site, but booking in advance is advisable during peak tourist seasons. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and bring a light jacket as the cave maintains a cool temperature year-round. Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and groups.
Faits intéressants
- •Bacho Kiro Cave contains the oldest human remains found in Bulgaria, dating back about 46,000 years.
- •The cave features a four-storey labyrinth with over 3,600 meters of galleries, 700 meters of which are open to the public.
- •Unique speleothem formations inside the cave have been given imaginative names such as The Sleeping Princess and The Haidouti Meeting-Ground.
- •Radiocarbon dating of artifacts found in the cave places some of Europe's oldest known ornaments at over 43,000 years old.
- •Genetic studies of the cave's human remains revealed a mix of Homo sapiens and Neanderthal ancestry, providing key insights into early human evolution and migration.
Histoire
Bacho Kiro Cave was discovered in 1890 and opened to the public in 1938.
It was renamed after Bacho Kiro, a Bulgarian National Revival leader and revolutionary, two years before opening.
Over centuries, an underground river carved the cave’s extensive galleries and corridors.
Archaeological excavations revealed some of the oldest human remains in Bulgaria, dating back over 40,000 years, linking the site to early Homo sapiens and their cultural artifacts.
The cave has since become a vital site for understanding human prehistory in Europe.
Guide du lieu
The Sleeping Princess Gallery
A beautifully named gallery featuring delicate stalactites and stalagmites resembling a sleeping princess, illustrating the cave’s enchanting natural formations.
The Haidouti Meeting-Ground
A large cavern within the cave named to evoke gatherings of haiduts (Bulgarian freedom fighters), featuring impressive rock formations and spacious interiors.
Archaeological Excavation Sitec. 46,000 years ago
Area within the cave where the oldest human remains and Aurignacian artifacts were discovered, crucial for understanding early Homo sapiens in Europe.
Contact
Téléphone: 088 708 0993