Devetashka Cave

The Devetashka Cave, located near the village of Devetaki and the town of Lovech, is one of the largest and most impressive caves in Bulgaria. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a massive entrance that leads into a spacious hall with an area of over 20,000 square meters. Its unique character comes from the seven large openings in the ceiling, known as "The Windows" ("Oknata"), which allow daylight to stream in, creating a magical atmosphere and enabling lush vegetation to thrive inside.

The cave has a rich history, having been inhabited since prehistoric times. Archaeological excavations have uncovered some of the most interesting Neolithic artifacts in the Bulgarian lands. In its more recent history, it was used for oil storage and functioned as a secret military site. The location also gained international fame after being featured in the Hollywood production "The Expendables 2," for which a bridge was built over the Osam River, facilitating access for visitors today.

Beyond its size and history, the Devetashka Cave is a natural phenomenon of international importance. It is home to a vast biodiversity, including dozens of protected species of birds, amphibians, and mammals. The cave is one of the three most important bat hibernation sites in Europe, sheltering a colony of over 35,000 bats. For this reason, access to certain parts of the cave is restricted during their breeding season to protect its unique ecosystem.