The cave is a whole underground world that attracts tourists with its mystery and beauty. Most of the dungeons in Russia are accessible only to speleologists, but there are some that are open to everyone. We present five of the most picturesque Russian caves that are worth a visit.
1. Kungurskaya
One of the largest caves of karst origin in the European part of the country. She is more than 10 thousand years old. It is located in the village of Filippovka, near the ancient Ural city of Kungur, which is 100 km from Perm. The cave stretches for 5 km, hides 58 grottoes and 70 lakes with ice water.
According to legend, the dungeon contains Yermak's treasure. He waited out in this cave for the winter before going to Siberia. Local residents found icons and crosses in it. However, most likely, they did not belong to Yermak, but to the Old Believers who were hiding underground from persecution.
One of the most beautiful places in the cave is located right at the entrance - Polar and Diamond grottoes. The mass of perennial ice in them resembles a petrified waterfall. It looks magical, especially against the background of snow-covered arches.
2. Akhshtyrskaya
One of the most popular caves in the Krasnodar Territory. It is located 15 km from Adler, on a cliff above the Mzymta River. A very narrow winding path leads to it, sandwiched between the cliff and the mountain.
The cave is very ancient, it is a unique monument of primitive culture. Scientists have established that Cro-Magnons and Neanderthals still lived in it. It is very picturesque: its large halls alternate with extremely narrow corridors.
3. Vorontsovskaya
This underground is also located in the Krasnodar Territory, near the village of Vorontsovka, in the Khostinsky district of Sochi. The cave is several million years old and has a karst origin.
Here you can enjoy the colorful stalactites that hang from the vaults of its halls. The atmosphere of mystery reigns in the cave.
4. Kashkulak
This cave is located in the north of Khakassia. In ancient times, she was held in special esteem by local shamans. They considered it a cult place. Shamans worshiped the stalagmite as a symbol of a rich harvest and procreation.
Sacrifices were made in the cave. This is confirmed by the found altar and fireplace, as well as the bones of animals and people. Now it is open to everyone. Samples of rock art have been preserved inside.
5. Shulgan-Tash
The underground is located on the border of Bashkiria and the Chelyabinsk region. It stretches for almost 4 thousand km. The cave is part of the state reserve of the same name and is considered unique in terms of archeology. It is a karst cavity with many halls. The dungeon is famous all over the world for its rock paintings, which paleontologists attributed to the Paleolithic era.
In addition to the primitive painting, the cave has something to admire. The arch at the only entrance is majestic and picturesque. To the left of it there is a small but very deep Blue Lake, from which the underground river Shulgan flows out.
