Devil's Throat Cave

Our destination is the cave and underground waterfall "Devil's Throat," which can be reached via a scenic route through the Trigrad Gorge. About 1.5 kilometers from Trigrad or 17 km from Devona, you'll find a parking area and entrance for tours. The journey through the cliffs is worth a story of its own. But now, it merely serves as a backdrop for the main event — the descent to the largest underground waterfall in the Balkans.

How did the cave get its name, and why is the devil involved? There are a few theories. The first, often shared, is that the natural entrance resembles the gaping mouth of a fearsome creature. The second theory is more mystical: if you look closely, the outlines of the walls inside the main hall form a silhouette, which your imagination might turn into anything, even the devil himself. Add to that the roar of falling water, the twilight, and the confined space, and you might start seeing all kinds of things.

In Bulgaria, such places are called "natural phenomena," and indeed, this is a unique spot worth seeing! The Trigrad Gorge has many caves, but not all are accessible through regular tours. For instance, Haramiyska Cave, directly opposite, requires special climbing equipment and a guide. Devil’s Throat, on the other hand, requires no special gear.

At the entrance, a guide will accompany you through the cave. Follow their instructions, especially regarding the ascent and movement throughout the tour. Entry without a guide is prohibited, and the tour lasts about an hour. There are two schedules: summer and winter. In summer (April to October), the gates are open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, while during the rest of the year, tours end at 4:00 PM. An adult ticket costs 4 lev, and for students (with ID), it’s 2 lev. Children under seven are admitted free of charge. If you're traveling with a group, you might qualify for a discount. Be sure to bring extra clothing, as while it may be over 30°C (86°F) outside, inside the cave, the temperature remains a constant 8°C (46°F).

You’ll follow a route to the main section through an artificial 150-meter-long gallery. It’s not the most exciting part of the trip, and some complain that it’s too dimly lit after the bright daylight. But this helps you adjust to the atmosphere inside the massive stone grotto. It’s worth noting that this cave is equipped with all necessary safety rails and steps. There is plenty of lighting, although it pales in comparison to the sheer size of the interior, making panoramic photos tricky to capture. Nevertheless, it’s one of the most tourist-friendly sites in Bulgaria.

Once you enter the Booming Hall, you'll experience a sensation like no other! The enclosed space is filled with a deafening roar from the falling water. The size of the hall is equally impressive, often compared to Sofia's Cathedral of St. Alexander Nevsky. The hall measures up to 53 meters in height and covers over 3,000 square meters. It's said that the entire cathedral could fit inside. How many more halls there are remains unknown, as much of the cave system is still unexplored. The exit, or rather the natural entrance, may prove challenging for unprepared tourists. You'll need to conquer 301 stone steps, but for those who can't manage, the guide will offer a return via the artificial tunnel.

The Trigrad River gently flows into the cave, where it cascades down with a thunderous roar from a height of 42 meters. What's intriguing and mysterious is how the waters of the underground waterfall disappear into a siphon-like gallery 400 meters from the cave entrance, only to reemerge in another nearby cave called "Devil's Tail."

Before surfacing, the water travels 150 meters underground. It's been noted that objects thrown into the river never reappear. Despite various methods of investigation, the mystery remains unsolved. There have even been fatalities among divers who ventured in and never returned. This practice is now strictly prohibited. It's believed that this section passes through a network of underwater grottoes and tunnels, with the water taking about 1.5 hours to traverse.

Speleology clubs from across Bulgaria organize expeditions, rowing against the current of the underground river. Sounds extreme and fun, doesn’t it?

Just before entering the Booming Hall, there’s a carved image of a devil's head in the rock. Though a modern creation, it’s a hit with tourists, who eagerly photograph it as if the image explains the cave’s name. A few steps further, and you’ll be standing before the magnificent underground waterfall, a sight that will take your breath away. In the vast grotto, you’ll notice a life-sized figure of an ancient man carved into the rock — many believe it represents Orpheus, from the legend of his descent into the underworld in search of his beloved Eurydice.

Near the exit is a small grotto with a "healing" spring and a tiny altar with a figure of the Virgin Mary carved into the rock. Though the pagan myth has no connection to Christianity, it doesn’t stop tourists from creating their own stories of love and loss. And of course, many throw a coin for luck, love, or the hope of returning one day.

There are several legends linked to this unique site. As mentioned earlier, objects thrown into the underground river never resurface downstream. One ancient legend tells of beautiful maidens being sacrificed to a ravenous monster (the river), disappearing forever. While no credible eyewitness accounts exist, the story certainly fits the cave’s mysterious aura.

As you climb the steps to the exit, moving gradually from the roaring darkness toward the sunlight, you can’t help but feel the effect, much like in the legend of Orpheus and Eurydice. In this story, Orpheus had to lead his beloved out of the underworld without looking back. If he did, she would be lost forever. It’s another haunting tale of love and tragedy.

Another legend about the underground waterfall dates back to the Thracian tribes. They believed that the river’s waters disappeared underground, leading to eternity. They thought that following its path would grant immortality. Chiefs were often sent on their final journey by being cast into the roaring waters.

Devil's Throat Cave is a place with a fascinating history and remarkable sights, offering unforgettable emotions!