If you are based in Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo or Pleven during your stay in Bulgaria, a great choice for a one-day trip is visiting the longest cave tunnel in Bulgaria and a splendid natural phenomenon – God’s Eyes.
Hardly anyone has asked why it has been named God’s Eyes since well, it’s pretty obvious once you enter the tunnel. There are two holes on its ceiling with the perfect shape of two eyes. On sunny days, those holes cast a shadow on one of the cave walls and well – it’s just like someone is looking at you! It is believed that, if you stand just below the eyes, look up, make a wish and pray for it, it will come true…
How to reach God’s Eyes
Another name for God’s Eyes cave tunnel is Prohodna cave, and this is how you can find it on Google maps. It’s approx 110 km from Sofia and 140 from Veliko Tarnovo.
The cave is easily reachable by car – there’s a parking place just 5 mins from the cave so leave your car there. (see recommended car rental options for Bulgaria). You can also reach by train, getting off at Karlukovo village. Have in mind, however, that this railway station is kind of desolate – so you should make your way to the cave on your own (nobody to ask :). You may either take the asphalt road passing above the station and then go through the stone quarry (pretty dusty there!) or climb up what is fairly steep rocks.
Why visit and what to do
The tunnel, being pretty picturesque but also 65 m high is a favorite place for bunjee jumps and climbing (see for example AX! Sports (FB page), I have jumped with them a few years ago and can recommend).
If you are not a fan of extreme sports – you can plan a walk through he cave and then check out the attractions in its surroundings + have a picnic on the shores of River Iskar.
Once you’ve arrived at the cave – here’s what you can do:
1. Explore the cave tunnel and then take the road to the nearby House of the Cave (Peshteren dom).
This is a small hotel with a restaurant and amazing views to River Iskar and the caves. The walk is a really pleasant one and totally worth it.
The House of Cave or Peshteren Dom
2.Explore the numerous caves in the rocks nearby.
The region has 1000+ caves (there are legends that treasures have been hidden in some of those and that’s why treasure hunting in those caves is really popular)
3.Visit the rock monastery St Marina.
On the main road, just before making the last turn to the cave parking, there’s an information center. Right after the information center is the sign for the rock monastery.
The info center – there is a nice gigantic guide book inside, with info on the region.
4. Make yourself a nice walk in the Canyon of River Iskar and have a picnic along its shores.
Try to get away from the noise of the quarry which seems to be working even on weekends!
The shores of River Iskar – a marvelous place for picnic
What else to see?
If you’ve arrived at God’s Eyes early and want to fit yet another sightseeing point in your agenda – here are a few more options in the area:
1.Put ‘Panega park’on your maps and on your route 🙂 It’s just 11 km from God’s Eyes / Prohodna and is an amazing park running alongside a river. Great for walking, sunbathing and – picnic!
2.Visit ‘Saeva dupka’ Cave. it’s just next to the village of Brestnitsa (25 km from God’s Eyes), there are signs to the cave. In Brestnitsa there is also a famous Ostrich farm where you can see Ostriches real close, get a guided tour and also buy ostrich eggs, feathers, etc.
3. A bit astray from the main road to Sofia but still only 35 kms from God’s Eyes is Glojenski monastery. This is one of my favorite monasteries in Bulgaria – being erected on the highest point in the area, the view from it is simply stunning! If you are driving, have in mind the last few kilometers are along a fairly narrow road and there are many turns. But – this only adds to the experience 🙂
4. Visit Etropole and the amazing Etropole monastery. Read my dedicated blog post on Etropole here.
Etropole monastery
Where to Stay
All sights above are within 1.5 hour drive from both Sofia or Velilko Tarnovo so – would recommend to base yourself in either of those two cities. If you’d rather stay somewhere closer – the city of Pleven is ~60 km away.
Hope you’ll enjoy this part of Bulgaria, full of natural phenomena and amazing nature! If you have questions or need help with organizing your trip – please message me on GreetBulgaria facebook page.