Devetashka cave

The Devetashka Cave is one of the largest, most spectacular, and mystical caves in Bulgaria. Officially declared a natural landmark in 1996, it holds a prominent place under number 30v in the list of the 100 National Tourist Sites. Nestled on the eastern bank of the Osam River, the cave is located about 7 km from the town of Letnitsa and 15 km northeast of Lovech, right next to the village of Devetaki. Reaching this underground wonder is convenient thanks to two separate approaches: a scenic walking path over a kilometer long starting from the Lovech – Levski highway (best suited for dry weather), and an alternative, flat asphalt road leading to a spacious parking lot just 50 meters from the cave entrance, making it highly accessible for families with young children and elderly visitors. Discovered by scientists in 1921, Devetashka Cave impresses with its colossal dimensions — it features a total length of 2442 meters, an expansive area of over 20,400 square meters, and a majestic entrance vault towering up to 60 meters high. Just 40 meters past the entrance, visitors enter a grand chamber illuminated by massive natural openings in the ceiling, known as "okna" (windows). Deep inside, the cave branches into two distinct galleries: one is shaped by a flowing underground stream, while the other remains dry, warm, and decorated with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. A highlight of the inner space is a chamber known as "The Altar" (Oltara), where regional archaeologists unearthed some of the most significant Neolithic remains in the country. These prehistoric artifacts, along with a rare bronze applique dating back to the 5th century BC, are displayed in the Lovech Historical Museum, proving that the cave served as a vital sanctuary for humans for millennia. Beyond its historical legacy, the cave boasts extraordinary biological significance and stands as the premier paleo-ornithological site in Bulgaria. Professor Zlatozar Boev discovered and analyzed bone remains of 136 ancient bird species here, representing over a third of Bulgaria's modern bird variety. Today, the area provides shelter to 82 modern bird species, dozens of mammal species, and 12 protected amphibians, including the Aesculapian snake, Balkan crested newt, European tree frog, European pond turtle, and Hermann's tortoise. The cave is also home to 15 species of bats, forming colonies of high international importance. To ensure an undisturbed breeding season for these mammals, the entire cave complex is completely closed to public visits during June and July. The modern history of Devetashka Cave includes several surprising roles — in the mid-20th century, it was a classified military site used as a state food reserve, and later as a major petroleum storage facility, with massive fuel tanks remaining near the entrance until the early 21st century. In 2011, the cave's breathtaking natural scale caught the attention of Hollywood for the filming of the multi-million blockbuster "The Expendables 2". Action icons including Sylvester Stallone, Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Jason Statham filmed major scenes inside, and the production crew constructed a solid bridge across the Osam River, which was left behind as a permanent gift for the local communities. Today, the cave serves as the cornerstone for a sustainable eco-tourism initiative across nine neighboring villages, titled the "Devetashko Plateau", aimed at developing the entire karst region into a premium, eco-friendly destination.