Prohodna Cave is one of the most famous and easily accessible caves in Bulgaria. It is located 2 km from the village of Karlukovo. Formed about 68 million years ago due to karst processes in the Karlukovo region, which is one of the largest karst regions in Bulgaria, Prohodna Cave stands out as a significant natural landmark.
The cave, also known as the Eyes of God or God’s Eyes, is notable not only for its impressive size but also for being the longest cave tunnel in the country. It serves as a natural rock bridge stretching 262 meters in length. The cave features two entrances: a smaller one, about 35 meters high, and a larger one, which at 45 meters high, holds the title of the largest cave vault in Bulgaria. A path begins at the small entrance and traverses the entire length of the cave, emerging through the large entrance.
Natural light floods the cave through its huge entrances and distinctive ceiling openings, referred to as “windows.” These windows give the cave its unique character. Positioned next to each other and sharing an almond shape, they resemble enormous eyes gazing down at visitors. Locals refer to these as the “Eyes of God.” From a particular viewpoint, the openings create the illusion of a face looking down, and during wet weather, the “eyes” appear to shed “tears” as water droplets gather at the edges and drip down.
According to legend, these tears mourn the girls who were thrown into the cave by the Ottoman Turks during times of oppression. The sight of this natural phenomenon leaves visitors in awe, evoking a sense of mystery and wonder due to the incredible symmetry and arrangement of the windows.
On March 21st each year, during the spring equinox, a ray of sunshine passes through the Eyes of God, highlighting the former rites that might have been performed at this site. Archeological finds in the cave also indicate the presence of ancient inhabitants.
In 1962, Prohodna Cave was declared a natural landmark. It has served as a filming location for several Bulgarian and international films, including “Boris I,” the French production “Vercingétorix: La Légende du druide roi,” the American film “The Way Back,” and the Soviet-Bulgarian film “In the Footsteps of a Captain Grant.” Other notable mentions include the TV series “Shmenti Kapeli: The Legend” and the music video for Miro’s song “The Top of the Mountain.” Additionally, a memorable scene from the movie “Time Apart” (1987), featuring the Athos monk priest Aligorko praying to God, was filmed in Prohodna Cave.
