Magura Cave | Pleven

Magura Cave (Magurata) is one of the largest and most significant caves in Bulgaria. Note: Contrary to your prompt, it is located in the Vidin Province (Northwestern Bulgaria), approximately 17 km from Belogradchik and 180 km from Pleven.

Visual Characteristics

The cave is a complex karst system with a total length of approximately 2.5 km. It features massive underground halls, some reaching cathedral-like proportions, and a rich array of stalactites, stalagmites, and columns. It is most famous for its prehistoric wall paintings-the largest collection of its kind in Southeastern Europe-depicting religious ceremonies, hunting scenes, and solar deities.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Near Rabisha village, 3938, Vidin Province.

Access from Pleven: A 3-hour drive (approx. 180 km) via E83 and Road 11.

Entrance: Located on the Rabisha burial mound.

Exit: The exit is on the opposite side of the hill, overlooking Rabisha Lake.

Internal Transit: A small tourist train is available to transport visitors from the exit back to the parking lot at the entrance.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Formed about 15 million years ago, the cave has served as a refuge for humans and animals (including cave bears) for millennia. The wall paintings, created with bat guano, date from different eras including the Epipaleolithic, Neolithic, and Bronze Age. Since the 1960s, a branch of the cave has been used as a winery due to its constant temperature (12°C) and high humidity, which mimic the conditions of French Champagne cellars.

Key Highlights & Activities

The Triumphal Hall: The largest chamber, used for acoustic concerts and events.

Prehistoric Paintings: A dedicated gallery containing over 700 drawings of humans, animals, and astronomical symbols.

The Fallen Pine: One of the largest stalagmites in Bulgaria, measuring over 11 meters in length.

Magura Winery: Located within the cave system; visitors can participate in wine tastings of regional sparkling and red wines.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Hours (2026): Daily, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM. (Last entry for the full tour usually at 4:30 PM).

Admission: * Cave entry: ~14 BGN

Prehistoric Paintings Gallery: ~12 BGN

Combined Ticket: ~22 BGN

Equipment: A jacket and non-slip footwear are mandatory. The interior temperature is a constant 12°C year-round.

Connectivity: No cellular signal deep inside the galleries; stable 4G/5G available at the entrance/exit.

Best Time to Visit

Any time of year due to the constant internal temperature. Summer is peak season; visiting in the morning is advised to secure a spot in a guided group, as entries are scheduled every 40 minutes.

Nearby Landmarks

Belogradchik Rocks & Fortress: 17 km Southeast.

Rabisha Lake: 1.5 km North.

Venetsa Cave: 25 km South.

Baba Vida Fortress (Vidin): 45 km North.