Bacho Kiro Cave Cave

Address: Bacho Kiro Cave, near Dryanovo, Gabrovo Province, Bulgaria

Bacho Kiro Cave is an archaeological and show cave in Gabrovo Province of Bulgaria known for important Paleolithic human remains and artifacts. Scientific excavations have recovered early modern human material from the site.

Inside the cave are archaeological layers, exhibition material and sections prepared for visitors, with areas of interest showing ancient deposits and finds. The site is commonly visited as part of cultural and natural tours in the surrounding Balkan foothills.

Excavations at the cave have revealed Upper Paleolithic layers containing stone tools and human remains dated to the period when modern humans first spread through Europe. The cave is named after the 19th century Bulgarian national figure Bacho Kiro and has been a subject of scientific research for decades.

The cave lies near the town of Dryanovo in Gabrovo Province, within the wooded hills of central northern Bulgaria and accessible from regional road networks.

• Paleolithic finds: Archaeological layers include Upper Paleolithic deposits with human remains and stone tools dated to roughly 45,000 years ago, placing the site among Europe’s early modern human locations.
• Visitor access: The cave combines archaeological importance with visitor access; verify opening hours and guided-visit options at the local visitor centre before travel.

Bacho Kiro Cave is located in the Dryanovo area of Gabrovo Province. The cave is reached from the town of Dryanovo: Dryanovo has a railway station on the Sofia-Varna line and regular road connections from Gabrovo and Veliko Tarnovo. From Dryanovo center the cave and its visitors’ entrance are a few kilometres north/north‑east of town - roughly a 20-45 minute walk or a short taxi ride from the Dryanovo railway station or local bus stops.

• Book a guided tour before you go - Bacho Kiro Cave operates guided visits with limited group sizes, so reserve a spot through the Dryanovo museum or the cave's visitor office to avoid disappointment.
• Take the earliest tour available to avoid the midday visitor rush and to get the clearest interior views; combine the visit with nearby Dryanovo monastery and the museum if you have time.