Eyes of God Cave | Pleven

Information

Landmark: Eyes of God Cave
City: Pleven
Country: Bulgaria
Continent: Europe

Eyes of God Cave, Pleven, Bulgaria, Europe

The Eyes of God (Prohodna) Cave is a natural karst tunnel located near the village of Karlukovo in the Lovech Province-approximately 60 km west of Pleven. It is the longest cave tunnel in Bulgaria, measuring 262 meters in length.

Visual Characteristics

The cave is famous for two roughly equal-sized holes in the ceiling of its middle chamber. These almond-shaped openings, formed by erosion, resemble human eyes. When viewed from certain angles, they appear to "stare" down at visitors. During rainy weather, water flowing through the openings creates the illusion of tears. The cave has two entrances-the Big Entrance (45 meters high) and the Small Entrance (35 meters high).

Location & Access Logistics

Prohodna is part of the Iskar-Panega Geopark. Access is via the Sofia–Pleven road, turning toward the town of Lukovit and then the village of Karlukovo. A parking area is located near the "Petar Tranteev" National Cave House, from which a short walking path leads to the Big Entrance. The cave is easily accessible as the floor is relatively flat and does not require specialized caving gear for the main passage.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The cave was formed during the Late Cretaceous period, approximately 65–70 million years ago. It is a "karst bridge," a remnant of a formerly massive cave system carved by the Paleo-Iskar River. Traces of prehistoric habitation dating back to the Neolithic and Chalcolithic eras have been discovered within the cave, suggesting it served as a ritual site.

Key Highlights & Activities

The "Eyes": Natural light photography of the ceiling openings.

Rock Climbing: The Big Entrance is a major destination for sport climbing, featuring some of the most difficult routes in Bulgaria.

Bungee Jumping: Occasional organized jumps are conducted from the Big Entrance.

Film Location: The cave was the filming site for several movies, most notably the Bulgarian classic Time of Violence.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The cave is an open natural landmark with no entrance fee or closing hours. There is no artificial lighting inside, so a flashlight is recommended for late-hour visits, though natural light from the "eyes" and entrances is sufficient during the day. The nearby National Cave House offers basic accommodation, a restaurant, and a museum of speleology. 4G/5G cellular coverage is generally stable near the entrances.

Best Time to Visit

Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures. For photographers, the most dramatic effect occurs during a full moon when light shines directly through the "eyes," or at noon when sunbeams create distinct pillars of light on the cave floor.

Facts & Legends

Local tradition holds that the "eyes" represent a divine gaze monitoring the actions of people below. Unlike most caves, Prohodna maintains a relatively dry environment in the central section due to the massive natural ventilation provided by its high ceilings and dual openings.