When it comes to European tourism, Bulgaria probably isn’t at the top of your list.
But that might not always be the case. This country is a budding hotbed for unique attractions, including award-winning wineries, beautiful and sprawling forests, and historic cities and villages.
Bulgaria has plenty to offer history fans, in particular. For thousands of years, it’s been a meeting point for Eastern and Western cultures. Religious and cultural sites dot the country, along with historical landmarks.
One of them is a bit farther off the beaten path than others.
Near the town of Kardzhali in southern Bulgaria sits a once-abandoned cave and sprawling spiritual complex that belonged to the Ancient Thracians around 2,500 years ago.
Locals know the cave as Utroba Cave, aka Womb Cave. It’s one of Sofia’s burgeoning new day trips for visitors.
But why, you might ask, are tourists making the trip from Sofia to Kardzhali to see this womb cave?
The short answer: it really looks like a vulva and it’s got a magical vibe. Welcome to tourism in 2024.
The Womb Cave
Utroba means ‘womb’ in Bulgarian. Today, we know that this cave’s function and history are closely tied to fertility.
But back in 2001 when archaeologists rediscovered the cave, they were basing that title on looks alone. Since then, researchers have flocked to the area to study the cave and try to narrow down its specific functions.
Ancient people had carved the cave’s entrance to simulate a vulva. But that wasn’t all. Scientists also discovered that the inner chambers were carved to resemble a womb.
Once a day, sunlight reflects into the cave to form a phallic shape. And one day out of the year, that reflection pierces the cave’s altar and looks to spew light.
The big question: why?
Early studies of Utroba Cave led archaeologists to discover neighboring sites around the forest.
Though there’s no concrete evidence of what happened in the cave, researchers have a few theories. Some believe it could have been treated as a place of conception, maybe for couples who were struggling to conceive.
Others believe the cave served a more spiritual function (rather than a literal one). Utroba Cave might have been used as a ritual area to store items or even enrich poor soil.
We know that the Ancient Thracians lived for centuries in this part of Bulgaria. In fact, archaeologists have discovered remnants of their poetry and music that date back all the way to 3500 BCE.
Unfortunately, however, many of Bulgaria’s ancient burial sites (many of which were in caves) were plundered. Illegal digging teams have been in search of ancient artifacts from the Thracians, Byzantine Empire, Greeks, Romans, and more.
The ongoing battle to preserve and study these sites isn’t going to end any time soon—but it may well be too late for places like Utroba, which were likely plundered years ago.
Though it’s unclear when, precisely, Utroba Cave was constructed and what exact purpose it served, Bulgarians have readily accepted this ancient landmark. In fact, it’s apparently a common destination for local couples who are having trouble conceiving. Stepping inside the cave together is said to improve fertility.
Visiting Womb Cave from Sofia & Plovdiv
Whether or not you’re having trouble conceiving, I’d highly recommend visiting Utroba Cave. It’s located just outside Karzhali, which isn’t too hard to reach from Sofia or Plovdiv.
Cheap trains run frequently between Sofia and Kardzhali—but they can take up to six hours. Busses are faster, though the views usually aren’t that great.
If you’re heading to the smaller Bulgarian city of Plovdiv, you can also take a short train or bus to Kardzhali. You can even rent a private taxi for around $100, which takes around an hour.
Karzhali is a larger town in southern Bulgaria, which means you can find plenty of lodging and activities. Along with Utroba Cave, the area is home to the ancient ruins of the Perperikon Sanctuary and the Stone Wedding rock formation site.
If you’re heading to the Womb Cave in search of archaeological wonders and historical delights, then don’t miss out on Perperikon or the Stone (or Petrified) Wedding site.
Here are a few shortcuts: