Orlova Chuka Cave

Orlova Chuka Cave is located about 40 km from Ruse, near the village of Pepelina. The cave was discovered in 1941 by a shepherd who was grazing his flock in the area.

In 1959, 124 stone steps were built in Orlova Chuka, and an artificial tunnel was drilled, which serves as an entrance. Cavemen begin to explore the cave and find skeletons of cave bears. It is believed to have been inhabited by humans during the Paleolithic and Stone Age.

Today, about 3 km from the cave are accessible and illuminated for visitors.

Its name comes from the rock wreath that stands above the entrance. The bald eagle is home to the great horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum), the small horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus Hipposideros) and the night owl (Myotis blythii). The galleries are also home to the squeaky bat (Chiroptera), which is a unique species in Europe.

From the artificial entrance of Orlova Chuka you enter the first cave hall. It is called "Concert" because due to its good acoustics it often hosts concerts, and every year in August, during the Cave Festival, a festive concert is performed. It is in the "Concert Hall" is the "Great Stalactite" with a height of 3.5 m and a diameter of 50 cm.

There are many other interesting formations in the cave - "Dinosaur", "Owl", "Turtle" and others.