Kalugerska Dupka is a small cave in the rocks below the village of Arbanasi, about 4 km from the centre of Veliko Tarnovo. It lies about 1 km from the village centre and 1.2 km from Arbanasi cave.
A marked path drops about 600 m from the edge of Arbanasi to the Golyamoto Lako spring. From there you go up the ravine and, after another 100 m or so through the bushes, reach a small pool in front of the entrance. From the edge of the village it takes 15–20 minutes. Leave the car in Arbanasi.
The entrance is womb-shaped, one of the rare cave entrances of this type. It is easy to go in about 10 m. A small stream flows year-round from the left passage, so wear boots or shoes you do not mind getting wet. Further in the cave is not developed for visitors: bring a head torch and do not go in alone.
According to Prof. Alexander Fol, the Thracians used lit caves of this type for their rituals. Kostadin Dimov, who studies megalithic sites, claims that at the summer solstice sunlight reaches 10–12 m into the cave. This is his hypothesis, not an established finding.
The walk to the cave combines easily with the church-museums of Arbanasi (the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, the Nativity), Arbanasi cave and Tsarevets in Veliko Tarnovo.
Kalugerska dupka cave is located in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria.
Kalugerska dupka cave is most easily reached by car. Use the coordinates above to navigate, or open the location in OpenStreetMap or your preferred maps app for turn-by-turn directions. Public transport options vary by region — for remote destinations a rental car gives the most flexibility.
Caves can be visited year-round — the temperature inside stays roughly 10–12°C regardless of season. Spring and autumn are quieter than peak summer. Bring a warm layer and sturdy footwear; some caves close in winter when access roads become impassable.
Access to caves varies. Show caves typically run guided tours during posted opening hours; wild caves require proper equipment and experience. Inside, the temperature stays cool year-round (~10–12°C) — bring a warm layer, sturdy non-slip footwear, and a torch even on guided tours.
