Станете част от
8 000 годишната легенда
Магура

Become part of
the 8 000-year-old
Magura
legend

And help us revive a part of Bulgaria's cultural heritage!

Why are Magura Cave and its rock paintings so important to humanity?

Historical significance

The drawings in the Magura cave are like an open window to the distant past, revealing to us unique pages from the early history of mankind in Europe. These ancient symbols and images, preserved through the millennia, tell us the stories of people who lived, loved, created and searched for meaning in a world that was just beginning to take shape. Magura is not only a Bulgarian treasure – it is a cultural and historical treasure that places Bulgaria at the center of the narrative of the early eras of Europe. The drawings in Magura Cave provide invaluable information about the life, social development and culture of the ancient people who inhabited our country. Historically, the Magura Cave paintings represent a unique source of information about early human history in Europe. It is one of the few prehistoric sites that provide such rich and varied images preserved over millennia.

Scientific significance

TThe cave paintings at Magurata are some of the earliest known examples of human art and symbolism, giving us crucial evidence for the development of abstract thought and the concept of language. In an age without writing, drawings served as a means of teaching the younger generations. They were used to transmit knowledge about hunting, nature and social rules, ensuring the continuity of the traditions and culture of the community. In a world without books, without writing, the art on the walls of Magura was the only way to ensure the preservation of traditions and cultural achievements, to educate new generations and preserve community spirit. Today, faced with these images, we do not simply admire ancient art – we connect with a culture that has stood the test of time and continues to touch and inspire, telling us about the power of the human spirit and its constant search for essence.

Theological value

The paintings in Magura Cave reveal the mystical world of ancient people and their strong spiritual connection with the universe and the beyond. Created more than 7,000 years ago, these images are not just art – they are spiritual codes, symbols of rituals and prayers that carry the spirit and worldview of prehistoric societies. Every figure and symbol on the walls of Magurata is charged with energy that gives us a glimpse into the soul of those who lived here in their pursuit of harmony with the forces of nature. It is believed that these images served as a means of communication with higher powers. Animal figures and ritual scenes are probably expressions of a call for protection, fertility or a successful hunt. These symbols were a way in which ancient people sought the support of the nature spirits, paying them their respect and reverence.

The state of the cave paintings today

Deteriorated condition

Mass tourism damages them irreparably and forever

Closed for visiting for 5 years

They need many years of restoration

НAll experts recommend conservation and restricted access for specialists only

How they do it around the world1?

In order to explore the best achievements in the field of preservation and presentation of cave paintings, in 2023. we visited the most famous caves with cave paintings in the world - Altamira in northern Spain and Lascaux and Chauvet in southern France. After meeting with some of their directors, we realized that the best that can be done for the prehistoric drawings is to be closed to public access and to be restored and conserved under special controlled conditions. Everywhere in front of these caves they have created modern and comfortable tourist centers with a replica of the paintings and many additional tourist presentations and guided talks.

Precisely for the reason of preservation of the original drawings, the Kazanlak Tomb was closed for visits in 2013. Since then, only the replica of the tomb is visited by tourists, while they have the opportunity to meet this incredible cultural heritage, while the original is preserved for generations. Thus, people have the opportunity to get to know this priceless cultural heritage of ours, and the original remains preserved.

Who are we and what is our purpose?

United around the cause of the Future for Magura Foundation, we are people who believe that our past has deep meaning and value. Our cultural heritage is the foundation of who we are and what we want to be as a people. With deep respect for our ancestors and traditions, we strive to build a better future based on understanding and respect for our history.

The only large building in front of Magura Cave was built in 1964 as a hotel-restaurant. It has been faithfully serving tourists visiting Magura Cave for 60 years. Our desire is to give new life and new meaning to the building by turning it into a place to explore our unique cultural heritage of Magura Cave

For two years now, we have been working hard on this project, together with various state and public institutions, to make it a reality. Now that we are in the final stages, starting renovations in December and aiming to open the museum in the spring of 2025, we need your financial support to complete this endeavor and ensure an immersive experience for all future visitors. visitors.

Our solution: Center for Prehistoric Art and Digital Museum MAGURA

Our decision to create a Center for Prehistoric Art with a replica of the Magura Cave paintings and an interactive museum is not only a modern and innovative solution, but also a necessary step for the preservation of the original images. Magura Cave will remain closed to direct visits in order to preserve the unique prehistoric paintings in their authenticity and integrity, protecting them from the harmful effects of time and human intervention.

The creation of this museum offers visitors the opportunity to explore not only the images themselves, but also to immerse themselves in the context in which these images were created. Through innovative projection and replication technologies, visitors will be able to get closer to the spirit and essence of prehistoric man, broadening and deepening their understanding of his world.

This is not just an opportunity to view ancient art, but a journey back in time, allowing us to glimpse into the lives, beliefs and culture of our ancestors. The museum will provide detailed and authentic information about the symbolism, meaning and stories hidden in these drawings, preserved over millennia – a unique encounter with the distant past that honors and protects this cultural heritage.

What is our idea?

Guided talks

Through an innovative immersive installation with state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, we will offer a captivating experience that will reveal curious facts about the formation of the cave, the life and customs of its ancient inhabitants. The talks will transport visitors to a long-gone world, presenting details about the daily life and culture of the cave people, and creating a deep understanding and connection with the history hidden within the walls of Magura.

Replica of the cave paintings

ТIt will be accompanied by a 3D projection of a talk about the Magura drawings.

Digital immersive presentation hall

The hall will feature two magnificent, contemporary tourist talks. One will be dedicated to prehistoric art, revealing the seven most beautiful cave paintings in the world. The other talk will introduce visitors to the seven most famous caves worldwide. Through this digital immersive environment, visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the world of ancient cultures and discover the grandeur of prehistoric art.

Museum of Prehistoric Man

Discover the life and lifestyle of people from the Stone and Early Bronze Ages. The museum will present interesting facts about their food, social organization, ways of communication, writing, housing and many other aspects of their daily lives. Through this museum you will immerse yourself in the world of prehistoric communities and gain a deeper understanding of their lifestyle and culture.

Easy access for every visitor

We will ensure the most convenient and accessible route for the elderly and visitors with disabilities. Special facilities and adapted areas will allow everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, to fully enjoy the experience and explore the exhibitions in the museum.

Green areas

The new green areas will feature tables, benches, cozy alleys and a special children's corner - created for the comfort and relaxation of visitors. Pergolas will provide shade during hot summer days, turning the place into a true oasis in nature. To enrich the experience, information boards on various topics will be added: features of the Torla dialect, the history of the village of Rabisha and Rabisha Cave, as well as other landmarks and caves in the area. These information elements will offer visitors a deeper understanding of the cultural and natural heritage of the region.

Ticket Center

We will build a modern and convenient ticket center that will provide quick and easy service to tourists. We are currently negotiating with the Belogradchik Municipality to provide the opportunity for this center to sell tickets for both the cave and the museum. The goal is to facilitate access for visitors and make their experience even more comfortable and organized.

Panoramic terrace

The spacious panoramic roof terrace will provide visitors with an unforgettable view of the majestic Western Stara Planina Mountains.

Why support our cause?

With your support, we will revive Bulgaria's millennial cultural heritage, giving future generations the opportunity to experience it and be proud of their roots. Your donation will help not only preserve these unique historical treasures, but also present them to the world in a new and captivating way.

We will breathe new life into the tourism potential of Northwestern Bulgaria by restoring the unique charm of Magura Cave. This will create better conditions for tourism and reveal the beauty of this little-known but extremely valuable region, contributing to economic development and job opportunities in the area.

We will show that Bulgaria can become more beautiful with a positive attitude and good ideas

With your donation, you will contribute to the promotion of Bulgarian cultural heritage around the world. Our mission is to show that Bulgaria can be a guardian of world heritage with attention, care and modern thinking. Your support is an important step towards this inspiration reaching more people, both in our country and beyond.

We strive to offer visitors a world-class experience, enriched with modern tourist amenities and unique cultural elements. Your donation will help us build a place that will not only attract, but also impress and inspire.

WHO ARE WE WORKING WITH FOR OUR CAUSE?

Belogradchik Municipality. 
We consider the Municipality of Belogradchik to be our main partner, as it manages the Magura Cave. We are building a partnership to jointly sell tickets in our Ticket Center, sell joint tickets and act together to offer tourists a joint tourism product of world-class quality.

Chief Architect of Belogradchik Municipality. We carry out all necessary procedures to comply with all legal requirements for the renovation and renovation of the building.

National Academy of Arts. We are working together with the biggest specialist in the field of fine arts so that the facade of the Information Center will be painted with murals and become an art installation and a work of art.

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