Prohodna Cave, also known as The Eyes of God is the longest cave tunnel and the highest dome cave in Bulgaria.
In fact it's a magnificent underground passage with two entrances spanning 262 meters in length, hence its name. Initially we reached the small entrance of the cave, which stands at a height of 35 meters. Though it's a small entrance, a grand one awaited us on the other side. Access to the cave from the small entrance was very convenient, which is why most tourists enter from here. Local entrepreneurs selling souvenirs and magnets were also present here.
On the day we visited they were also selling puppies. We saw a sign saying mini pinschers. I hadn't planned on adding an extra pet to my family, but I couldn't resist the cuteness... We contented ourselves with admiring them and returned to the cave.
At the entrance besides the vendors, we only encountered informational signs. There are no ticket booths or controllers here as entry to the cave is completely free. If you're short on time, you can leave the Checkpoint visit to the end of your tour, as there's no time limit here either. You can even visit this unique underground tunnel at night.
Descending into the cave was done via a narrow stone staircase. Before entering the cave one must pass through a spacious stone dressing room, which enchanted us with its size and excellent acoustics. The inside of the cave is quite cool and humid. So it's advisable to wear warm clothes before the journey.
If you're visiting the cave in spring or winter, like me, be extra careful. Moisture seeps into the cave from above through cracks, collecting drop by drop and falling below. Extra caution is required as you'll understand.
According to the information on the panels, the cave formed 66 million years ago. At that time, the sea levels were much higher. The Iskar River flowed through the cave, carving its way through the rocks for centuries, especially during intense spring floods. This process contributed to the creation of this magnificent natural wonder. Today the water level is below the cave, making it accessible year round regardless of the season.
Staying in the cave during the day is quite comfortable. It boasts a massive ceiling height of 56 meters. Due to the symmetrical shapes of the main cave's eyes, it eerily resembles human eyes. It earned the name The Eyes of God and was declared a natural monument because of these eye-shaped openings. It has been included in Bulgaria's list of 100 national tourist sites due to the size and uniqueness of the cave, which is astonishing.
Light illuminates this cave in a captivating manner. Archaeologists have found traces of Neolithic humans here. A temple dedicated to the Great Goddess is said to have been located here. It's known that all kinds of rituals were performed here in ancient times. Local residents tell a legend associated with Prohodna, where it's said that several girls who refused to accept the invaders beliefs were executed here. They were thrown into the cave's stone mouth as a form of execution. This tragedy touched the rocks so deeply that they wept like living beings. During rain drops fall from the eyes into the cave, reminding of that sorrowful legend.
As I walked along the main hall, I felt a strange sensation. When I stood beneath The Eyes of God I was breathless. At that moment, I didn't want to think about anything. My only desire was to savor the moment.
Since the cave is unprotected tourists even come here at night. When you look up at the starry sky through these eyes, you feel something mystical. It's as if a power from above is watching over you. Outside the cave is less magnificent. In spring the area is green and covered with vegetation. In winter the ground becomes bare and the scenery is no longer as appealing. Perhaps if ancient people could see the cave from a bird's-eye view, they would call it the devil's eyes.
The steep walls of Prohodna Cave attract not only nature enthusiasts and lovers of mysticism but also extreme sports enthusiasts. Beginner climbers are eager to tackle a steep climb in front of the public. Special routes have been prepared on the walls. In addition to amateurs professional climbers and rescuers also receive training here.
Filmmakers haven't overlooked Prohodna Cave either. Many films have been shot here, including Hollywood hits like Conan the Barbarian starring Jason Momoa in 2011, The Way Home starring Colin Farrell, Turkish Gambit, The Dragon, The Last Neanderthal and these are just some of them.
At the main entrance or exit of the cave, the hiking trail seemed endless. Walking along a steep rocky path, we looked into several other small caves and climbed along the rocky ledge to reach a picturesque plateau. From here the beautiful view of the Iskar River and its surroundings unfolded.
