Verteba

The cave is located in the south of Ternopil region and consists of a strong gypsum layer. It is part of a peculiar cave array, which includes several caves, including Atlantis, Ozernaya, Kristallicheskaya, Mills and Optimistic cave. The Verteba Cave deserves special attention. It has played a major role in the study of the history of the ancient world. Verteba is an archaeological monument, the existence of which is known to many scientists of the world.

Description of Verteba Cave

The cave impresses with its galleries, which are connected with each other by narrow passages - crosswalks. In October 2004, the location was officially recognized as Ukraine's first underground museum of Trypilian culture. Now tourists can see the objects of the original excavations, exhibitions of dioramas, including the household items of Trypillians. The official guided tour through the underground tunnels and corridors lasts for 1 kilometer. Specially trained guests can visit the speleological route. If you want to pass this route, it is worth notifying the administration of the complex in advance.

Video about Verteba Cave

History of Discovery

The cave was first discovered in 1823 by a local landowner named Jan Malevsky. It happened by chance during his hunting trip. At the entrance to the tunnel, he found many ceramic objects whose origin he believed dated back to the ancient period. In fact, it was a discovery of the Trypillian culture, still unknown at that time. After a while, the new owner of the village Leon Sapega founded a park area in this place. During its construction, elements of earthenware, crockery, and figurines were found. A researcher of the private museum in Lviv Mr. Dedushinsky was involved in the study of the finds. Research work of Verteba cave continues to this day.

Morphometric indicators

The total length of the studied underground passages is at least 9021 meters, according to some data about 8000 meters. The cave is formed in the upper part of the coarse-crystalline gypsum sequence. Contrary to any other similar formations there are no crystals of secondary gypsum. The walls of the cave have a dark hue and a smooth surface. Most of the existing passages are filled with silt. You can often find carbonate and sintered fragments in the form of crusts and small stalactites on the walls and ceiling. The average air temperature inside the cave is 11 degrees (above zero) and may vary within 1 degree. The relative humidity of the cave is in the range of 92-98%.

The galleries of the cave

The entrance to the cave is literally in the middle of the field and is a kind of watering hole with stone walls. Verteba cave surprises with its geological structure and its unique origin. It amazes with its wide galleries and very narrow passages. The cave consists of one huge hall, which is located at a depth of about 10 meters. Its vaults are supported by several massive columns. Following it are several intricate passages and labyrinths.

Interesting Facts

The cave is home for few kinds of bats, some of which are listed in the Red Book. It should be noted that there was the headquarters of one of the UPA detachments, with its underground printing office for the production of leaflets in a small hall during the war. The right part of the cave area "Houses" was a home for Jews (about 65 people lived there) during the Second World War. The real pride of Verteba is an unique diorama, in the study of which you can get acquainted with the life of the inhabitants of Tripoli, sculptures made of plaster and utensils. Human bones of ancient people are well preserved in the cave. It was possible to establish their exact age (more than 6000 years) with the help of DNA technology.

Visiting conditions

Excursions are held only in organized groups. You should have a flashlight, a minimal first aid kit, and warm clothes despite the fact that the dungeon is well-equipped. It is strictly forbidden to go behind the fences, crawl into the narrow slots and holes, from which it is sometimes very difficult to get out. At the entrance guests can see the conditions of the visit, information boards. It is forbidden to take out of Verteba plaster material, sinter formations and other artifacts.

Location

The cave is located near Bilche-Zolote village, Borschevsky district of Ternopil region. The easiest way to get to Verteba is by car, so just take the E-85/M-19 highway in the direction of Ternopol and Terebovlia. If you get to Chertkovo, you should turn left and then take the highway T-2001 to your destination. Another alternative is to take a bus from the regional center. You will have to walk 10-15 minutes from the bus stop to the cave.