Bacho Kiro Cave – a natural landmark and an architectural and construction monument of culture from Antiquity and the Middle Ages
- Stefan Ivanov
- May 30
- 14 min read
Updated: Jun 2
Our incredibly rich walk through the wonderful Dryanovo region, rich in epic adventures, sunny emotions, unforgettable views and ancient history, which reveals to us the beauties of the canyons of the Dryanovo and Andaka rivers, showing us phenomenal panoramas, leading us along the Dryanovo eco-trail, continues with an exciting visit to Bacho Kiro cave - a natural landmark and an architectural and construction monument of culture of national importance.
Bacho Kiro is the first developed cave in Bulgaria, electrified in 1937.
Bacho Kiro is a Paleolithic cave and until 1940 was known by the names "Little Cave" and "Bear Hole". In honor of the Bulgarian teacher, writer, historian, community center activist, folklorist and national revolutionary Bacho Kiro, who took an active part in the epic and unequal battle with the army of the Turkish Brigadier General Fazlı Pasha on the 9th of May 1876 in the Dryanovo Monastery "St. Archangel Michael", the cave was renamed.
Bacho Kiro Cave is site number 22 of the Hundred National Tourist Sites of Bulgaria.
Natural Landmark
In 1962, Bacho Kiro Cave was declared a natural landmark.
Bacho Kiro was carved at 335 meters above sea level, in the middle of the eastern part of the limestone plateau Strazhata in the southern rock ridge Boruna, 4 kilometers southwest of the town of Dryanovo, where the rivers Dryanovska and its left tributary - Andaka, form an incredibly picturesque, deep and difficult to pass gorge with sheer rock ridges (to the east - Strinava and to the west - Polichki), in the area of the Dryanovo Monastery "St. Archangel Michael".
The natural landmark Bacho Kiro Cave is a complex four-story labyrinth of cave galleries and branches with a total area of about 3,600 square meters, which makes it one of the largest caves in Bulgaria.
The geomorphological studies conducted give reason to assume that the layout of all its cave galleries continued as a geological process, carried out for 1,800,000 years thanks to karstification*.
*Karstification is the process of dissolution of carbonate rocks such as limestone and dolomite under the influence of water and carbon dioxide. This leads to the formation of various karst forms such as caves, ravines and underground rivers. The process is dynamic and depends on factors such as climate, relief and chemical composition of the water.
The Bacho Kiro Cave is a natural landmark formed in three main directions – east, northeast and southeast by underground flowing waters in the strong Urgon** limestones, formed on the bottom of an ancient sea.
**Urgon refers to the Urgon facies – a geological term associated with Lower Cretaceous sedimentary rocks. These rocks were formed about 110-120 million years ago in shallow marine reefs during the Barremian and early Aptian ages of the Early Cretaceous. The term originates from the town of Urgon in southern France and is used to describe specific limestone and marl deposits, rich in fossils such as corals, mussels, snails, ammonites and sea urchins. In Bulgaria, Urgon limestones can be seen in various geological sites, including the Emen Canyon.
As a result of the geological activity mainly of water during the Neogene and Quaternary***, the initial stage of the formation of the cave began.
*** The Neogene is the geological period that follows the Paleogene and precedes the current Quaternary. It covers the time from about 23.03 million years ago to about 2.588 million years ago. This is the second and last period of the Neozoic era, before the era of modern ice ages began. It is divided into two epochs - the Miocene (about 23.03 - 5.33 million years ago) and the Pliocene (about 5.33 - 2.588 million years ago). The Neogene is a period of finalization of the modern geography and climate of the Earth. It creates the conditions that will lead to the cyclical glaciation in the next Quaternary.
The Quaternary is a geological period that began about 2.588 million years ago and continues today. This is the youngest period of the Neozoic era and is divided into two main stages - the Pleistocene (the older one) and the Holocene (which began about 12,000 years ago and continues today). During this period, significant climatic changes occurred, including ice ages, which influenced the development of flora, fauna and human civilization. The Quaternary is particularly interesting because many of today's ecosystems were formed during it.
The next stage of the formation of the cave is under the tireless and constant action of karst waters, of which the territory of Bulgaria is very rich, especially in this part of the Pre-Balkans.
The extremely highly mineralized rainwater, having seeped into the soluble limestone rocks, dissolving them through karst formation, gradually expands the numerous cracks formed, creating channels, cavities, tunnels, galleries and ultimately - huge caves.
In the midst of the constant twilight of the cave galleries, drops of karst water gradually sculpt unusually bizarre cave forms - stalactites, stalagmites, stalactones. This is a constant process lasting hundreds of thousands of years.
Architectural and construction monument of culture of national importance
In 1967, the natural landmark Bacho Kiro cave was declared an immovable cultural asset with the category of national importance - an architectural and construction monument of culture of Antiquity and the Middle Ages.
The cultural monument Bacho Kiro cave is one of the most important sites of the early Late Paleolithic on the territory of the whole of Europe.
The latest archaeological research conducted in the cave between 2015 and 2021 reveals that it was inhabited by the first representatives of Homo sapiens, who settled in the area after a short coexistence with the last Neanderthals.
The stone assemblages from the site, dated between 45,040 and 43,280 cal BP****, include over two thousand artifacts found among numerous faunal and human remains – flint tools made of stone, and tools made of animal bones, as well as personal ornaments made mainly from cave bear teeth.
****A way of indicating dates in archaeology, paleontology and geology, obtained by radiocarbon dating.
BP (Before Present) – "the present" is fixed to the year 1950 AD. It is accepted as a standard in order to have a fixed starting point, regardless of when the dating itself was carried out.
cal (calibrated) – initial radiocarbon dates were calculated based on a constant level of carbon-14 (¹⁴C) in the atmosphere. However, over time, various studies have shown that the levels of ¹⁴C in the atmosphere have varied over time. Therefore, uncalibrated radiocarbon years (without the "cal") do not correspond directly to calendar years. To correct for these fluctuations and obtain a more accurate calendar date, a calibration process is applied.
For example, "45,040 cal BP" means exactly 45,040 calendar years before 1950 AD.
Analysis of the finds shows that ancient Homo sapiens who inhabited Bacho Kiro in the Early Late Paleolithic were supplied with Lower Cretaceous flint from the Ludogorie region in Northeastern Bulgaria and Upper Cretaceous flint from the Nikopol region on the Danube River, which reveals their considerable mobility and organized ability to cover distances of up to 190 km. Evidence of stone and bone tool making on site in the cave suggests an increase in animal prey for subsistence and adaptability given the ecological challenges.
This observation foreshadows the movements of ancient modern humans over the next 30 millennia, when groups developed mobile systems between camps, sometimes located hundreds of kilometers apart.
Vincent Delvigne, part of the team of archaeologists and collaborators of the Bulgarian-German expedition in 2021
The innovations, adaptations and changes in the behavior of early Homo sapiens in Europe identified in the Bacho Kiro cave are not isolated, temporary or accidental. For example, their systematic supply of high-quality stone raw materials – flint and flint flakes, from distant deposits, is one of the harbingers of even greater enterprise and mobility in the subsequent development of this population: willing movement far to the east, with short (probably rarely longer-term) settlements through Central, East and Northeast Asia, until its significant participation in the colonization of the New World.
Nikolay Sirakov, head of the excavations
Tourism
Bacho Kiro is one of the most visited caves in Bulgaria.
Since its first development in 1937, the cave has been managed by the Bacho Kiro Tourist Association in the town of Dryanovo.
Of the total area of Bacho Kiro Cave, a portion of about 700 square meters is currently open to visitors, landscaped and properly lit.
The spectacular lighting offers visitors the unique opportunity to explore a large part of the cave galleries, which can be done along two routes – short and long.
Short route
The short route offers the unique opportunity to explore part of the cave in about 30 minutes at your own pace, without having to deal with a group of tourists and a guide. It leaves immediately after you have purchased your tickets for a visit, without having to wait.
In the colder months of the year, when not crowded with tourists, it is even possible to find yourself completely alone in the middle of the cave galleries and tunnels, which is an incomparable experience and creates and captures unique emotions, immersing you in an inimitable underground world of wonders.
The short route provides tourists with the opportunity to enjoy the charm of the cave magic along a fully illuminated and improved path, for which no guide is required. Each landmark is visibly and clearly marked in Bulgarian and English, and even the darkest and most obscure corners are adequately illuminated.
One thing is for sure – it is impossible to get lost or confuse the way out.
The route is wet, slippery, and slightly muddy in places, so wear good shoes, preferably suitable hiking shoes with high grip.
Since the temperature in the cave is constant throughout the year - 13 degrees, it is a good idea to have outerwear in case you visit this curious site during the summer months.
At the very entrance to the cave are information boards containing detailed information regarding the large-scale archaeological research conducted in the area. Interesting exhibits discovered during the numerous expeditions are arranged in glass cases.
The first hall that visitors enter is called "The Antechamber" and is the best-studied. Karst waters have formed impressive massive stone curtains on its ceiling. The ceiling becomes very high at the end of the hall, then descends to form a short tunnel called "The Arch".
We step forward towards the "Cathedral", with the "Hearth" visible on the left.
Standing with your back to it, it is possible to see bats inhabiting these vast underground galleries. Four species of bats are found in Bacho Kiro, and they can be observed from a relatively close distance.
Next is "Purgatory".
Steps carved into the stone and a sturdy metal railing take us to an upper level, where the "Rain Hall" is located on the left.
As its name suggests, the "Rain Hall" is particularly humid.
Karst water from the surface constantly seeps into this vast underground cavity, and because of this, it constantly rains, with the monotonous song of the falling drops heard.
In the "Rain Hall" thin stalactites can be seen, resembling petrified rain.
Opposite are steep steps - 38 in number, leading to the higher level, which houses the last hall to be visited on the short route, named "The Concert Hall".
The "Concert Hall" is distinguished by its impressive volume and excellent acoustics. On the walls and ceiling of the cavity, beautiful stalagmites and ribbed synthectic strokes, colored in brown and white, can be seen.
From here, on the way back, you carefully head towards the exit, filled with a storm of wonderful emotions, sealed by the experience.
Long route
The long route lasts up to 70 minutes and is only accessible with a guide and with a group of at least 15 people.
The long route leads to the upper levels of the cave. The route starts at the end of the "Antechamber". The first sintered formation on this route is a cascading wall with formations reminiscent of stone jellyfish. A narrow, inclined twenty-meter corridor named "The Bear Slide" follows. The corridor takes visitors to the "Pop Hariton" hall, in which dripping water has formed a figure in white, which people have likened to a monk. The "Potato Path" leads to the upper floors, the floor of which is paved with sandy-clay sediments, forming individual baboons, reminiscent of potatoes in shape. On the upper level is the "Hall of the Collapse". Dozens of stone blocks torn off from the ceiling can be seen along its bottom. Remains of dwellings have been discovered in the upper layers of the cave.
To the north is the "Bear Meadow" hall. It was here, during one of the earliest expeditions, that scientists discovered a huge, almost completely preserved skeleton of a bear of a long-extinct species. It is believed to be one of the largest specimens ever discovered in Europe. It is distinguished by its impressive dimensions of three meters in height and a jaw length of 60 cm. The skeleton is currently on display in the Dinosaurs Department of the British Museum in London.
North of the "Bear Meadow" hall is a small elliptical cavity, in the middle of which rises a stalactite 4 meters high. The hall is called "The Lonely Stalactone". An interesting fact is that before the improvement of the hall, there were two stalactites, the second of which was accidentally broken.
Nearby is the "Ear of the Cave", and to the left is the "Hall of the Ponds". Next is the synth waterfall called "The Throne", and behind it is the "Throne Hall", which is not illuminated in order to preserve the beautiful forms in it. The next "Reception Hall" is considered the most beautiful in the cave. From it, an iron staircase leads down to the "Petrified Forest", where the stalactites resemble petrified trunks of thick trees. The long tourist route ends here.
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How to get to Dryanovo Monastery "St. Archangel Michael"?
Dryanovo Monastery "St. Archangel Michael" is located in Northern Bulgaria, about 5 kilometers southwest of the town of Dryanovo and about 15 kilometers northeast of the town of Gabrovo.
A good asphalt road leads to it.
It is served by the "Bacho Kiro" railway station, which until October 20, 1949 was named "Saint Archangel", on the "Ruse-Momchilgrad" railway line. The railway station is located about a kilometer from the monastery.
You can leave your car by the road leading to the monastery, where no parking fee is required.
Near the Dryanovo Monastery "St. Archangel Michael", as well as directly in the parking lot in front of the entrance to the monastery, parking is paid.
After leaving your car in a convenient place for you, head to the path leading to the right and along the waters of the Andaka River.
It will take you to the natural landmark Bacho Kiro Cave. The Dryanovo Eco-Trail starts from here.
What can you visit nearby?
Dryanovo (spelling until 1945: Drѣnovo) is a town located at the foot of the Stara Planina Mountains, in Central Northern Bulgaria.
It is located in the Gabrovo region, at the crossroads between Northern and Southern Bulgaria, near the cities of Veliko Tarnovo, Tryavna, Gabrovo and Sevlievo.
The town is the administrative center of the Dryanovo municipality.
Dryanovo is located among the beautiful and rounded hills of the Central Fore-Balkans.
On the territory of the municipality is the continuation of the Mikren Heights – the rocky limestone plateau of Strazhata, cut through by the bizarre gorges of the Yantra River and the Dryanovska River.
The altitude varies from 180 to 640 meters above sea level. The highest point in the region is Balabana – over 620 meters above sea level.
The city is located on the highway Ruse - Veliko Tarnovo - Gabrovo - Shipka - Stara Zagora. The station is on the main railway artery connecting Northern and Southern Bulgaria - Ruse - Gorna Oryahovitsa - Dabovo - Podkova.
In the Dryanovo region, the oldest traces of life on the Balkan Peninsula were discovered - in the Bacho Kiro cave near the Dryanovo Monastery "St. Archangel Michael".
Numerous remains of ancient settlements, fortresses, columns with inscriptions and decorations from the time of the Thracians and Romans have also been found.
During the Ottoman rule, Dryanovo managed to preserve the Bulgarian spirit, with Dryanovo's spiritual centers being among the great guardians of the Christian faith and Bulgarian writing, traditions, and culture.
In 1778, a clock tower was built in the center of Dryanovo, which was destroyed twice.
Dryanovsk masters and builders were extremely prominent and worked in various parts of the empire, and even beyond its borders. This gives grounds to speak of a Dryanovsk building school.
Undoubtedly, even today the most famous Dryanovec and prominent representative of the school is Nikola Fichev, better known as Usta Kolyu Ficheto.
The historical museum in the city presents in an extremely interesting and impressive way the work of the most famous Dryanovo resident and Bulgarian Renaissance builder.
Dryanovo is located:
212 kilometers (about 2 hours and 48 minutes by car) from the capital
156 kilometers (about 2 hours and 46 minutes by car) from the city of Plovdiv
244 kilometers (about 2 hours and 57 minutes by car) from the city of Varna
227 kilometers (about 2 hours and 40 minutes by car) from the city of Burgas
Only 21 kilometers south of the city of Dryanovo (about 25 minutes by car) is the city of Gabrovo. In Gabrovo, you must visit the Architectural and Ethnographic Complex and Open-Air Museum "Etar"
Just 16 kilometers from the city of Gabrovo (about 26 minutes by car) you will find the charming jewel of Bozhentsi, which you should definitely visit.
Just 22 kilometers east of Gabrovo (about 34 minutes by car) is beautiful Tryavna, which I definitely recommend you visit.
About 23 kilometers south of the city of Gabrovo (about 34 minutes by car) is the Freedom Monument, known as the Shipka Monument.
About 48 kilometers south of the city of Gabrovo (about 58 minutes by car) is the city of Kazanlak.
In Kazanlak you can visit the Rose Museum.
After you have viewed the rich exhibition of the museum, I suggest you take a relaxing walk through the wonderful alleys of the Rosarium Park in the town of Kazanlak.
In the town of Kazanlak, I suggest you also visit the church of St. Elijah, also known as the Kulen Church.
Just 5 kilometers south of the town of Kazanlak (about 8 minutes by car) is the village of Buzovgrad, where the wonderful adventure of the "Path through the Ages" eco-trail begins.
You shouldn't miss it for anything in the world!
48 kilometers east of Kazanlak (about 40 minutes by car) you will find the Zhrebchevo Dam. The ruins of the submerged church of St. Ivan Rilski still stand near the dam.
23 kilometers west of Kazanlak (about 25 minutes by car) you will find the town of Pavel Banya.
3 kilometers east of Pavel Banya (about 5 minutes by car) you will find the village of Viden. Near the village still stand the ruins of the wonderful church of St. Anastasius.
4 kilometers south of Pavel Banya (about 7 minutes by car) is the village of Turia.
Here you can visit the birthplace of Chudomir.
On the square in front of Chudomir's house you can see a monument to the Chetnik Tsanko Minkov Dechev - Komitata, who was born in Turia Botev.
In Turia you can enjoy an authentic Roman bridge called "Skoca".
8 kilometers from Turia (about 9 minutes by car) you can enjoy the natural landmark "Kichest Gabbar".
Very close to "Kichest Gabar" you can explore Kutela.
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