Magil cave

Magil cave is one of the largest caves in Armenia; its mapped area is 1.7km deep but there are many offshoots that have not been entirely explored.

The cave was inhabited as far back as the Neolithic period: bear bones, stone tools and other Stone Age implements have been found inside the cave, along with more “recent” finds from the 9th century. Its remote location and difficult entry made it a good place to hide during invasions.

Because of its depth, the cave maintains a constant temperature of 14 degrees centigrade (58 degrees Fahrenheit). The main passageway varies from an area just large enough for a person to crawl through to a spacious chamber 10-15 meters in width. There are a few stalactites and stalagmites.

Magil has a unique underground eco-system, home to thousands of bats. The only mammal capable of true flight, bats are an important part of Armenia’s ecology, a keystone species that is vital to the stability of the eco-system and crop production in the country.

The cavern has since been closed off and locked and can only be entered with professional guides.