The Magura Cave is located in north-western Bulgaria close to the village of Rabisha. The prehistoric wall paintings of Magura have great resemblance with those of the Grotta dei Cervi in Italy, which are of exceptional expression and artistic depth and are considered the most significant works of art of the European Post-Paleolithic era.

Guided visits are conducted by the staff of Belogradchik municipality. In 1984, the site was inducted into UNESCO's tentative list of World Heritage.

Cave paintings dating from the Epipaleolithic, late Neolithic, Eneolithic and early Bronze Age decorate some of the cave's walls. The paintings have been estimated to be made between 10.000 and 8.000 years ago. The drawings represent important events of the society that had occupied the Magura Cave: religious ceremonies, hunting scenes and depictions of deities which are unique on the Balkan peninsula. The Fertility Dance and the Hunting Ceremony rank among the most noteworthy paintings.

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Founded: 10000 - 8000 BCE
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4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Katerina Cholakova (5 months ago)
Staff were friendly, our guide was very nice and we had the luck to be only group! The gallery with the painting is closed as usual for visitors so bear this in mind. However I am giving 4 stars as you have to pay if you want to use the toilet even though you are paying not a small amount for entry to the cave.
Karolina Trejgis (7 months ago)
I wholeheartedly recommend it. The most impressive cave I had the opportunity to be in. Both the size of the cave and the forms present are awe-inspiring. Although it is no longer possible to see the wall paintings (the exhibition has been turned off), it is still worth deciding to enter because the enormity of this natural creation will make up for the cost. The cost of the ticket is 12 Bulgarian leva (price in April 2024), and the tour takes about an hour. Entries only at full hours like 12, 1pm. etc. The entrance and exit are not in the same place, so after the tour you have to return to the parking near the entrance, but if someone is not willing to walk extra(about 15 min), it is possible to be transported by let say "railway" for an additional fee (I think 3 leva, but I am not sure because I chose to walk). One downside is that the guide giving the tour speaks rather only Bulgarian, so unfortunately people who don't speak that language have to settle for descriptions from the English-language leaflet. I think it's a great loss because watching local tourists discussing with the guide, asking her questions and finding out a lot of details, however, one has the unsatisfactory feeling that we missed something. Nevertheless, at the very parking lot below the cave, you can make up a lot by getting into conversation with the gentleman running the little place there, where you can drink coffee, refreshing drinks, or buy a bottle (or preferably several right away) of local wine and a souvenir magnet, as well as use the restroom. The gentleman knows many details about the cave itself, as well as local history. It was thanks to him that we finally decided to enter the cave, even though the frescoes are no longer accessible, and after the tour I returned to thank him because, as I wrote above - it's worth it. I encourage everyone both to visit the cave and to buy at least a cup of coffee, a bottle of wine or a magnet from the Man and exchange a few words with him.
Bobby Graham (7 months ago)
Magura Cave, located in northwestern Bulgaria, is a stunning natural wonder celebrated for its prehistoric cave paintings, which date back over 8,000 years. The cave's vast halls and corridors span approximately 2,500 meters, offering visitors a remarkable display of natural formations, including stalactites and stalagmites, adding to its breathtaking beauty. One of the most fascinating aspects of Magura Cave is its ancient cave art. These paintings depict scenes of hunting, dancing, and daily activities from the Neolithic and the early Bronze Age, providing a unique insight into the lives of the cave's ancient inhabitants. Unfortunately, the cave art is not currently on display due to prior vandalism. The cave also features a constant temperature of about 12 degrees Celsius, making it a comfortable year-round destination. Guided tours are available, offering educational and insightful experiences, and the paths are well-maintained, ensuring a safe visit for tourists of all ages. Additionally, Magura Cave is celebrated for its impressive acoustics, making it a popular site for concerts and cultural events, which adds an extraordinary layer to its appeal. The cave is relatively accessible, located about 17 kilometers from the town of Belogradchik, making it an essential visit for those interested in history, archaeology, and natural beauty. Overall, Magura Cave is a fascinating destination that combines natural beauty with historical significance, offering an immersive and educational experience that is hard to match.
Iva Gornishka (7 months ago)
The cave was nice, but difficult to do with a young child and an old person due to the slippery surface and endless stairs (it’s not just that it’s “very long” as we were initially told us on the phone). The guide was a very sweet man, but we were left with many unanswered questions and trying not to slip while translating for a large group of foreigners (and constantly reminding them to mind the slippery stairs) was a bit of a challenge for me as he didn’t speak English at all.
Eva Agus (7 months ago)
The cave is wonderful. The Neolithic art gallery is closed for preservation reasons and it is the right call. A couple notes: Staff did not address the various hazards (slippery, narrow, steep) of the cave until after a fall incident in our small group. Wear good grip shoes and avoid the white marble of the trail. Not recommended for anyone with feet, knee, or hip issues. Also, I was the lone non-Bulgarian in the group and staff just proceeded to give the entire tour in Bulgarian, luckily a fellow tour mate was kind to give me some highlights. The beauty of the cave made up for it, but the experience is definitely geared more towards locals. The winery at the end is excellent.
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