Jasovská Cave

The Jasovska Cave ( German Jossauer cave ) is the oldest accessible cave ( a cave ) in Slovakia.

Location

It is located near a Premonstratensian monastery on the territory of the municipality Jasov ( German Jossau ) on the edge of the Karst Slovak Karst ( Slovenský kras ) in Medzevská pahorkatina ( German Metzenseifen Hill Country ) on the western edge of the Jasovska planina ( German Jossau Plateau ). It is located in the "National Nature Reserve " Jasovské Dubiny in the area of the National Park Slovak Karst.

Characteristics

The cave is open all year. Of the total length of 2,811 m 550 m are available. In the cave are 314 steps, the visitor climbs during the tour 360 levels.

With its pagoda-shaped stalagmites, stalactites, signs, drums, and other Rörchen flowstone cave is one of the most important wintering sites of around 20 species of bats.

History

The cave is due to the flow of the river Bodva activities emerged ( German Bodwa ). The cave was already inhabited in prehistoric times ( finds from the Palaeolithic; settlements from the Neolithic, Bronze Age, Hallstatt and the Roman period ).

Later she was again known no later than the second half of the 12th century. According to an old legend, they discovered a monk who ventured a look into the mysterious underground rooms in the collection of medicinal herbs.

Of great historical value are inscriptions on the walls of the cave. The oldest dates from 1452, when troops were staying here by Johann Giskra. It is located in Hussitensaal and tells of a victory of the troops. 1780-1870 worked here a blast furnace and foundry.

The cave was first made available as early as 1846, as here, the abbot of the monastery, A. Richter, install stairs and carry out security measures. Then, however, fell the plants and 1924 the cave was made ​​accessible again. Since 1926 it is electrically illuminated.