Magura Cave

Magura is a large cave near Belogradchik with about two and a half kilometres of galleries, of which several hundred metres are open, holding substantial limestone formations and one of the more important prehistoric painted assemblages in the Balkans: several hundred figures on the walls, made not with pigment but with bat guano, showing dancing figures, hunters, animals, geometric signs and what has been interpreted as a solar calendar, dated across a long span from the late Palaeolithic into the Bronze Age. A separate part of the cave has been used since the twentieth century for producing sparkling wine, taking advantage of the constant temperature. The lake at Rabisha lies beside it.

What you actually see

• Paintings made in bat guano - several hundred prehistoric figures.
• The interpreted solar calendar - one of the most discussed panels.
• Large limestone chambers - formations along the visitor route.
• A sparkling wine cellar - production using the cave temperature.

When to go

April to October. Two hours. Tours are timed and go in groups. Bring a jacket; it is around twelve degrees underground year round. The painted gallery is not always included, so ask when buying.

Honest expectations

Access to the painted gallery is restricted for conservation and is often not part of the standard tour, which disappoints many visitors. Tours are in Bulgarian unless arranged. There are many steps. The wine cellar is not open.

Nearby

Belogradchik and its rocks are south; the Danube lies north.