Episode BG16. Prohodna Cave – “The Eyes of God”
Hello, Bulgaria! 🇧🇬
Prokhodna Cave, also known as “The Eyes of God”, is one of the most impressive natural formations in Bulgaria. Located near the village of Karlukovo, it is a natural rock tunnel over 260 metres long with two huge openings in the ceiling that resemble human eyes. Impressive for its shape and easy access, Prohodna combines mysticism, cinematic charm and geological phenomenon. Nature isn’t the only one doing the talking here – it feels like the sky is watching you too.
👉 Links and references to other videos:
BG17. Provartenika – Ancient Thracian Observatory
BG29. Iskar–Panega Geopark
BG56. The Kaleto Tectonic Ridge – From the Age of the DINOSAURS
👉 References to other episodes:
None
📌 What will we look at in this article?
📝 Episode Summary
🔥 The most interesting moments
⭐ Location assessment
✅ Final conclusion
📝 Brief summary of the episode
Prohodna is one of the most easily accessible caves in Bulgaria, located in the Karlukovo Karst region. It is a natural rock arch, shaped by water and time, with openings in the ceiling called “the eyes of God”. The cave has been used as a cult site since prehistory and was inhabited in the Neolithic. Today it is a popular tourist attraction and a favorite location for climbers and filmmakers. Its height reaches up to 45 metres, making it ideal for bungee jumping and caving.
🔥 What will you see in this episode?
In this episode we head to one of the most unusual places in Bulgaria – Prokhodna Cave, also known as “God’s Eyes”. The approach starts from a convenient parking lot next to the National Cave House “Petar Trandeev”, from where we take a short trail gradually revealing the impressive arch of the cave. The camera passes through the large and small entrances – respectively 45 and 35 meters high – and enters the natural tunnel itself, one of the longest in the country.
Inside, you’ll see the famous openings in the ceiling – the two symmetrical slits that look like eyes and let in light at a specific angle. We’ll show how they illuminate the rocks from within at the vernal equinox, creating the effect as if the sky itself is watching. At this moment, the atmosphere is almost ritualistic – and it is no coincidence that cult practices have taken place here in the past.
Through the lens you will also see the reliefs of the inner walls, used today for rock climbing, as well as the many magnesium traces of climbs. We also share practical tips – that the place is cool even in summer and that the most impressive shots are obtained in the morning when the sun hits directly in the “eyes”.
We also draw attention to the history of the cave’s use as a film set – including in the movie “Ascension” and the Hollywood production “Empire” with Daniel Radcliffe. You’ll see some of the scenes filmed at this particular location, as well as what it looked like from a cinematic angle.
And last but not least – we will take a peek outside at the valley of the Iskar River, with its quiet landscape that contrasts with the monumentality of the rock. And the “eyes” keep on looking. We don’t need to say much in this episode – just look up.
⭐ Location assessment
The assessment is entirely based on my personal impression and is made according to several main criteria considered separately. I use a 5-point scale where (1/5 – Very bad, 2/5 – Bad, 3/5 – Average, 4/5 – Good, 5/5 – Excellent)
| Criterion | Personal impression | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility 🚗 |
The cave itself can be reached directly by car. There is a parking lot next to the Cave House and the trail is short and flat. It is suitable even for people with limited mobility. | ★★★★★ |
| History 📜 |
The passage was formed over 65 million years ago. It was used as a sanctuary in antiquity and traces of Neolithic occupation have been found, although without many documented historical events. | ★★★☆☆ |
| Condition 🛠️ |
The cave is natural and stable, but visibly eroding. Some parts have been badly scoured by tourist traffic and the walls bear traces of magnesium from climbers. It lacks maintenance, but the place is relatively clean. | ★★★★☆ |
| Conveniences 🚻 |
There are no directional signs, markings or lighting. There is an eco-toilet near the car park but no other facilities such as benches, gazebos or information boards. | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Price 💰 |
The visit is free of charge. There are no fees and no restricted access. The cave is open to all and accessible all year round. | ★★★★★ |
★★★☆☆
✅ Conclusion
A passageway is one of those places that does not seek attention. They just stand, silent and watch. No signs, no souvenirs, no voice behind the frame to tell you where to stand. And that’s exactly its strength. A tunnel of stone, two symmetrical holes in the ceiling, and a sky that sometimes pours in with a light that is unforgettable. Nothing more. And nothing less.
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