Dve Mogili: Caves, History and Bulgarian Traditions

In the municipality of Dve Mogili, nature, archaeology and Bulgarian traditions each offer a different focus. Orlova Chuka Cave, the Shirokovo Kale site, the Ayazmoto forest park and recurring cultural events offer a range of themes for planning a trip. Consider whether you would like to focus on nature, history or a particular cultural event.

Orlova Chuka: Cave Landscape and Protected Bats

Orlova Chuka Cave is located 11 km east of Dve Mogili and 3 km north of Pepelina, in the rocky gorge of the Cherni Lom River. With more than 13,500 metres of passageways, it is Bulgaria’s second-longest cave after Duchlata Cave. The gorge provides its landscape setting, while the national ranking puts its size in perspective.

Since 1978, Orlova Chuka has been an archaeological monument of national cultural and historical significance. Around 10,000 bats of various species live in the cave, and all are protected. This is an approximate figure and may vary seasonally. The site thus combines an exceptional cave system with protected wildlife and recognised status as a monument.

Competitions are also held in the area around the cave: events in rock climbing and orienteering have traditionally taken place at Orlova Chuka. These sporting events complement the nature and monument themes with two clearly defined disciplines.

Forest Park and Spring in Karan Varbovka

The Ayazmoto forest park in Karan Varbovka covers 3,483 decares of wooded land, or around 348 hectares. Alongside the rocky cave landscape, there is therefore a forest area with a clearly stated size. The Ayazmoto spring is also located in Karan Varbovka. Its water is said to have healing properties; according to the municipal investment profile, the spring attracts hundreds of tourists from all over Bulgaria every year.

Archaeology at the Confluence of the Rivers

The Shirokovo Kale archaeological site is on the edge of the village of the same name, on a naturally protected rocky promontory where the Baniski Lom and Cherni Lom rivers meet. The promontory and the confluence together define the site’s location. Excavations uncovered a metallurgical workshop that operated from the late 6th to the early 7th century. The site remains under archaeological investigation, offering a specific insight into early medieval metalworking.

The municipality’s 2023 implementation report records tourist visits and considerable interest in the excavations. For history enthusiasts, both the location of the archaeological site and the workshop’s historical period are key points of interest.

Monastery, Church and Recurring Festivals

The Sweta Marina Monastery is near Karan Varbovka. Its church was built in 1890. The “Living Water” folklore festival takes place every June in the monastery area; the exact dates vary. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the dates for the relevant year.

Another recurring event is the Harts gathering in Kacelovo. It takes place in August on the occasion of the Feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God and is a family gathering of the Harts ethnographic group. The exact date of this gathering may also vary from year to year. The two events therefore offer different opportunities for a culture-focused trip in June or August.

Another link to history can be found in Dve Mogili itself: Filip Totyu is buried in the courtyard of a church. The administrative centre of Dve Mogili is also on the Ruse–Gorna Oryahovitsa railway line. If you are considering travelling by train, check the connections for your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Pepelina, Dve Mogili, Mogilino, Ruse, Ivanovo, Borovo Municipality.

Go to the regional travel overview: Ruse Province.