Baradla-Domica Cave System

The baradla cave (formally Baradla Cave) Hungary researched the oldest, best known for centuries, visited stalactite caves. Cadastral Number: 5430-1. The Aggtelek Karst views on several entrances. Total length of the Slovak Republic was opened, it is a system component, 5.3 km long Domica cave with exceeding 25.5 km. Natural Entrance Aggtelek border of the village, at the foot of the cliff overlooking tall white with distance. The Jósvafő to the village lying, színlőkkel articulated, meandering main branch length of 7 km. The average 10 m wide and 7–8 m high rock tunnel, a huge restaurant widens in some places. The main branch of several shorter or longer side is connected. A significant part of the cave varied colors and shapes providing a unique spectacle stalactites to decorate. The Aggtelek village situated at the border of Acheron – Archer resulting víznyelőből and Domica coming from Styx Streams united today only water flowing through the main branch during floods. Víznyelőkön the dry season through the cave situated at a depth of 30–40 m Lower get caves. The cave is open from natural entrance to ancient times; there the Neolithic people could find shelter.

The first written mention originates from 1549. He graduated from Joseph Sartory – the first survey 1794. 1825 – only 1.8 km length was known. This section depicts Raisz Christian Gömör County by földmérője 1802 – was prepared map, which first appeared in print in the cave map. Vass Imre engineer 1825 – was penetrated in the previous endpoint Iron Gate waters, and revealed the cave about 5 km long main branch. The cave and the surface a description, and an accurate map. His work was published in Hungarian and German in 1831.

In order to facilitate the cave visit, the first to roll out 1806 was carried out. 1890 – artificial exit was established at the Red Lake. 1922 – the end point was the significance of the cave nearly a hundred years of Stage continuation of a new section 500 m have been identified, which 1927–28 in hand, Taro been Jósvafő. The Domica and Baradla Cave relationship 1932 – In the Styx Stream szifonjain penetrating Dr. Hubert Kessler managed to prove.

The Baradla, the Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst remaining caves with UNESCO 1995 He declared in the World Heritage part. The entire cave system and the catchment areas – with the Domicával – 2001 – was placed under the protection of internationally important wetlands fixing Ramsar Convention in scope. The Aggtelek National Park most appealing attractions all year round, closed without waiting for the visitors, who can choose from among several hiking trails.

The environment

Kiszögelésében northeastern Hungary, the Slovak border area along one of the country's most diverse karst os landscapes occupies. Across belonging to Northern Hungary Central Mountain range Aggtelek Karst (Aggteleki Mountains, Lower Hill) of the state border the Slovak Karst tal form a unified geological system, surface morphology and Hydrology. Before the withdrawal of the current boundaries of the two areas included in the literature Gömör-Torna karst. The karst was perfect for Triad period bedrock of (since the end of the third age) lasting about 5 million years of evolution as a result of a characteristic temperate mountain range i karst developed. The most striking characteristics: a large expanse of nearly 60 m in average height plateaus; the open karst reliefs typical erosion of bowl-shaped pits and the dolines; the töbörsor V karst valley and Uvala and the steep, barren mountain slopes formed Karr, karrmezős, which are the people's language Devil's plowing should be called. In some places the clogged töbrökben, gully in small dolinatavak water surface shimmers in karst and non-karst background colors border of blind valleys lined up with the locals ravaszlyukként, hell-hole, known as víznyelőkben disappear periodic streams. The region's spectacular forms of surface lying in the depths of smaller and larger caves, cave systems complement. Among the largest of the Baradla, which is longer than in Slovakia, together with the opening of the Domicával 25.5 km. The two forming a coherent whole cave in the multi-story cave development exemplifies one undeniable proof of Aggtelek and Slovak Karst hydrology of context.

Archaeological Finds

The Baradla and the Aggtelek cliff at the foot of the ancient entrance opening space for some seven thousand years ago our ancestors took possession, and with interruptions, but for shorter or longer periods, shelter, protection and was used as a place of worship. Most of unearthed during the excavations of thousands of artifacts come from the prehistoric period of two big, the middle Neolithic from (the Neolithic-era) and the late Bronze Age from. Of course, after the times of Christ the objects and tools from the 12th century, it came to light. The archaeological material of different ages helps to use the assets of the former cultures, habits of reconstruction.

A large amount of bone Bone Cave restaurant located in the first house called Raisz Christian reported who was conceivable that they might starve to odamenekült and dragged the remains of people killed by the robbers and victims during the Mongol invasion. Raisz beliefs of his contemporaries were discussed, and held the bones of animal origin; That is, even at that time it did not even occur to the thoughts that come from our ancestors lived here in the early days.

When Vass Imre 1825 - was revealed almost the entire section of the cave is the main branch of the entrance to approximately 5 & nbsp; km distance, slope above the Giant-hall-gully saw human footprints in the hall by Ganimédesz Fountain stalactite group soon found a black earthenware jug fraction. Unfortunately, professional evaluation of these findings is no longer possible, since the tracks are gone, those drawings are not made, and the tile is gone.

Adolf Schmidl 1856. no annual visit to the site or the public monarchy is not found in the collections of bones from Baradlából, and they wanted to form an opinion of human or animal origin. After searching for fossils in the cave Paradise branch áttöretett a stalactite-bekérgeződést, but just below the cave bear remains in inventory.

The remains of prehistoric Hungarian tracing the significance of Romer Floris, founder of the national archeology 1875 - he drew the public's attention. Eugene Nyáry ancient archeology were of the opinion that the ancient history of mankind can learn just by lying along the river valleys and caves in search of.

Against this background, the decision Hungarian Historical Society archaeological excavation of the Baradla. Nyáry including Thallóczy Louis, Töttösy Bela and Péchy Eugene Archaeologists using - 1876 - and in 1877, three times dug the cave entrance stage (the atria and the boathouse the corridor leading there and the Bat-branch). During the work with great intensity brought to light a significant amount of artifacts that have been made accurate drawings. The human and animal bones, seeds renowned experts investigated and carried out chemical analysis of ceramic materials as well. The results of the archaeological excavations 1881 - Page 179 was extensive, large-format book published. The 335 drawings of artifacts, maps and cave exploration scene depicting an illustrated work, despite the criticism of posterity professional in between the domestic and cave archeology basic research works. The relatively large area, many completely untrained auxiliary force, work hastily carried out the biggest shortcoming of the stratigraphic observations have not been made, and therefore finds the re-evaluation can not be done.

In the 20th century a number of occasions continued archaeological excavation next to the Nyáry areas examined by the Black Chamber, the Fox-branch, in Paradise, and the Sultan sofa képződménynél soon. 1910 - in Kadić Ottokár, Martin Louis, Siegmeth Charles, 1911 - 12 in Finger Bela, 1926 - was again Kadić, Kretzoi Nicholas and László Bogsch, 1929 - in making the most effective job Ferenc Tompa, 1937 - in Gallus Alexander, and in 1953, Laszlo Vertes, 1959 - - in Patek Elizabeth researched the cave 1940 - in Mary Mottl, 1946. In recent years, the National Museum archaeologists Kato Gábor Rezi leadership prepared the Baradla topography and archaeological excavations have been carried out successfully at the entrance to the Fox-branch.

The Baradla the Bükk culture One major deposit, but the cave earlier, the Plains Linear Pottery was younger during the period known, and if not constantly, but regularly visited the people living here until the middle Neolithic, the end of Bükk culture. While the first 'crawlers' ceramics not substantially different from the legacy of former inhabitants of the Great Plains, while the later vessels of the only occupant in North-East Hungary and the Slovak Karst known example of Bükk culture. The well-known, almost decorated with arts and crafts quality, richly incised patterns, sometimes only 1-2 & nbsp; mm thick pottery exportáruként Lesser Poland the Lower Danube, Croatia Transylvania reached. The six or seven thousand years ago people lived without this thin-skinned, plump, shapely objects puck by hand, line decorations csontfésűvel scratched the notches are colored white, yellow or red paint dust. Some intact and under countless fragments of stone vessels and animal bones made more user devices, as well as the remains of a cult place also came to light.

There are signs stalactite-bekérgeződések, used for lighting torches smoke trace of the stalagmite layers indicate that the cave all the way to Late Bronze Age to - Early Iron Age to not accessed. Then (500-1000 years BC), the mainly live in mountainous areas also Kyjatice culture peoples 'discovered' 'the Baradla' again. This is evidenced by the following: the boathouse excavated 13 graves (drawn under the dead bellies knees, face down, tarkójukra large flat stone placed was buried next to them növénymagvakat scattered), the installation of a bronze Late Bronze Age warrior more pieces of a sziklahasadékban concealed in 28 different sizes , wires made of gold treasures, as well as a significant amount, ribbed, raised knobs, bolts decorated with ornaments, graphite powder polished pottery fragments.

Unfortunately, today they have been largely destroyed traces of the pile, which proved that the man defending against the damp, cold air rudimentary huts, beds are built into the cave. It is difficult to judge whether a fair number of postholes found, and forges traces of the era to which of these two belong to, be linked to or maybe both. Just as difficult to answer as well to the idea that was protected as a place of residence, as a place of worship, or just used as a burial place to the cave. Can not be excluded based on the results of archaeological research in domestic and some foreign experience to maneuver under the surface of the Neolithic period were used for the purpose of obtaining water and winter quarters, from the late Bronze Age burial and perhaps rather served as a place of worship.

It is also an open question how far our ancestors penetrated the inner sections of the cave. Patek Elizabeth Aggtelek entrance about 2 & nbsp; km away from Sultan pamlagánál Iron Age pots and cereal seeds, and 12-13. and 17-19. vessel fragments collected from the century. Gold artifacts were found in the street called side branches (charred pieces of wood) and near the Matyórojt a cseppkőmedencéből (child's skeleton), but their exact age has not been determined. Until recently, pottery fragments hidden under the rubble Giants also serves, in addition to amikről medieval origin, archaeologists have also found that probably were not finding their place in a natural way.

But not only the cave depths conceal the traces of our ancestors, because during rescue excavations carried out construction projects before the Aggtelek entrance 1969 - in Korek Joseph, 1996 - In the Rezi Kato Gábor leadership the National Museum archaeologists large amount of artifacts Neolithic i and late Bronze Age graves, piling holes, house foundation, floor level, stove and oven were found. It was found that the area still undisturbed prehistoric layers.

History of the building

The driver of the cave visit, accompanied by proof of travel during the early reports studying detected in several places. It is certain that Aggtelek residents were among those at the beginning of the 1700s already, who are interested - return for some reward - a show cave. The Ungrisches Magazine cave described in (1781) has advised that, due to the risk of getting lost Adopt a cave to crawl driver whose 'all have their alarm that the weather adjusts.' Csaplovics John lawyer geographical writer 1819 - he was in the cave, and his book on Hungary (1829) informed us that 'In the village several people who have strangers in this maze of underground around the drive did. To do this, equip themselves sufficient supply of dry wood torch. '

At this time of the cave, like Teleki Domokos 1793. Report of the annual visit by (1796), 'pinewood torch and the world' 'walked in' facility. Later, Paul Balogh Almási informed (1820) to the cave with candles and lit candles.

The cave is the first building on the Palatine Joseph visit of 1806 - was carried out. The entrance and the greater strictures sparked the creek bridges, planks were placed. However, these elkorhadtak in a short time, captivated the floods, so the leaders of the cave with them constantly carrying planks helped the waterway. Often they used for lighting the flame of twigs and wood chips, the candles and torches facility.

The 1860s were the tenants of public landowners in the management of the cave. Then the damaged roads, bridges once since been corrected, but the ongoing maintenance they have not been addressed.

The cave is very neglected 1881 - in - Charles Siegmeth initiative - the Hungarian Carpathian Association (MKE) to take care of. Guests receive that same year Aggtelek entrance to the shelter was built, which was the first of its kind located in present-day Hungary. Although Proche Ede engineers have been 1868 - was suggested that in order to facilitate visits authority of the main branch somewhere near the end to establish a new exit, the implementation of the MKE only 1885 - was decided. To this end, Munnich Kalman mining engineer 1886 - he surveyed the cave and hoisted today's Red-sumer maturity location. The association during the study cave renovation of the facilities also dealt with: the repaired bridges and roads, expanded the leading tomato flight and complete the so-called old and new part connector Munnich gateway. Thus avoiding the difficult journey to the cave - to light foot traffic throughout the year - regardless of the floods.

Meanwhile, the MKE perpetual lease contract with the utilization of the cave, and banned the use of smoky torches used until then. The red-sumer exploratory work on the establishment of 1889 - was started in Benedikty Kalman Dobšinská mining engineer management. The cave and tunnel drive on the surface at the same time as a result of the explosion made a breakthrough 1890. March 15 was held. The creation of a new entrance to the cave was viewed without repeating main branch of the road. In addition to the red-sumer entrance 1892 - the house was built, which is a cave housing a leader, he served as an accommodation to the guests.

The MKE also 1892 - he decided to mainly establish the cave affairs of Eastern Carpathians Department, chaired the Baradla preservation and tourism development has been awarded the most Charles Siegmeth became. The cave entrance is easier authorities, organized hospitality and promotional articles, books, lectures, duplicated photographs and postcards significantly due to increased attendance.

Unfortunately, this tidy Baradla period of history was short-lived. The works managing Siegmeth Charles and performing janitorial duties Baksay Daniel has, and finally this irreplaceable treasure become orphaned for a short time after s first head of the Cave, Klanicza László death . After the Treaty of Trianon since the formation of the MKE Eastern Carpathians Department of successor Putnok seat, but that body is only apparently carried out its tasks, in fact, the Aggtelek Protestant clergyman, Tókos Charles was left in the cave's affairs, who mainly own benefit translated.

When the Minister of Culture 1925 - the cave was declared a national treasure, the renovation of large amounts of aid provided. The use of 1800 m concrete pavement, stone steps, 104 smaller and larger concrete bridge was built. At the same time built up to the cave the water line and the phone line, and upgraded roads leading to the entrance and rail transport. 1928 - it was prepared on the basis of Peter Kafka Jósvafő assessment and plans for the exit, so opened the way for the development of tourism Törőfej Valley.

The watcher John checks on the spot was, and because of the irregularities in the handling of the cave MKE Gömöri Department distracted - 1932. The affairs of Borsod-Gömör first-Kishont alispánjára, then Hungarian Tourist Association has been entrusted to.

The cave is a great help for the development of tourism in the context of Baradla-Domica exploration. They thought that covering the two countries subterranean labyrinth of the world's largest stalactite caves in which settlement 'became increasingly urgent in custody international aspects sites. "' 'The National Nature Conservation Council drew extensive submissions Gyula Gombos Prime Minister's attention to the cave importance and the importance of the issues to be resolved. The Prime Minister instructed tihamér fabinyi trade minister said developed for the technical realization of investment plans. Four ministries, as well as two representatives of the affected counties Inquiry was held, where the participants unanimously recognized the cave's cultural and tourist importance, and the fact that this natural resource preservation and promotion should be financially supported by the government.

The first, and perhaps the most difficult task was to settle the ownership of the cave, which is included as a condition for initiating investments. 1935 in the spring of Hungarian Tourist Association property ownership could say about the cave entrances, and the name of the said rights of way as well. The Hungarian Carpathian Association and Abaúj-Torna County gave up ownership of the közcél taking into account, however, the acquisition of the rest of the area demanded a serious financial sacrifice.

The treatment Cave - the cave is relevant ministries and provide the participation of experts - formed committee. Building and the introduction of electric lighting in the Commercial Affairs Department undertook. The Great Commission Baradla management of the works of the famous caves provide professional, Hubert Kessler et commissioned. The 1935. year's season start villanyvilágítása completed the cave, the reconstruction of roads, regulation of the Styx and the purchase of essential equipment. Tarot sparked between Paradise and the Bat-branch, which made it possible to create a comfortable tour. Although ownership has resigned, but Abaúj-Torna County undertook the cave entrance leading Jósvafő road-building and tunnel exit kiboltozását well. The new cave 1936. May 21 Miklós Horthy with the participation of several ministers visited the governor, has pledged to provide financial support to further develop sa. The cave developed in Hungary lake (rowing lake); They opened the entrance to the Bat-branch. Built Aggtelek Cave Hotel, the Jósvafő Sea Eye Sea Eye hydroelectric power station and the hotel.

The cave after 1945, for the first time in Hungarian Friends of Nature Association, then DOT, 1948 - since the IBUSZ, 1962 - it is the Borsod County Council has been managed by the Office of Tourism. The World War 2, the Baradla in Aggtelek and surface tourist facilities also caused serious damage. Traffic initiation of significant restoration work was preceded. The sidewalks, railings and reconstruction of electric light after a boating lake barrier is damaged corrected. 1960. April 4, enriched with new attractions of the cave: the IBUSZ and the National Planning Office prepared using to build the Labyrinth branch. Branching off from the Columns hall, about 200 m long section over the Little Baradla víznyelőnél táróvágattal unleashed on the surface. Jósvafő modernized during the development phase villanyvilágítását, and again put into the Red sumer maturity. The Concert Hall designed 1,000-seat concert halls; renovated in the Boating Lake Dam infrastructure and expanding rebuilt sidewalk next to the lake. In addition to the sidewalks pipe barriers have been installed, which were utilized as a water pipe. 1969 - it came to the fore once again based on the example of Postojna has designed the '30s cave railway questions. The plans were completed, but the project due to various problems - fortunately - was canceled.

The cave operation of 1984 - In the Bükk National Park and 1985. year of the foundation of Aggtelek National Park took his place. After a little investment, renovations Aggtelek tourism section complete reconstruction took place between 1991-94. The Red Lake Jósvafő-route phase of technical equipment and complete renovation of the PHARE support 2004-2005. It has been between.

Cave tours in the past

The cave tour beginnings of written documents are not available, and its evolution, not much is known about the evolution of the 18th century. Based on writings that appear at the end of the 1700s, it seems that the leaders have shown different routes to the most interesting sights. The tours the length and difficulty of the presumably chosen according to the needs. Individual tours endpoint of the wall, and the names and dates written formations prove. Before the 18th century, the shortest tour is probably the first big room (Turtle room) held that the 'signal' 'customers' soon, a huge, blackened boulders. The names recorded here at the beginning of the 19th century were already illegible. Bold indenting feel like a tour of Nador utca (today's boating lake dam) or Yellow Wax on, down the street until the end (of the 1884 - creates the pre-passage opened in Munnich) held. Both places a significant number of inscription. When the water level allowed Styx, there were some who ventured into the region from the heavy road names up to the Great Snow White cseppkőlefolyásáig. Part of the holiday subtitles washed away by floods, but there are still quite a few treasures the memory of the ancient cave passages. Also, depending on the water depth of the Styx, despite the mud and caused difficulties for visitors bekúsztak narrow flight of paradise passage. The main branch 1825. After a year exploring different groups of Friendship column, the braver up to the Hall of Giants reached. The tours are most often held in three hours, but the return Friendship column and 5-6 hours in the Hall of Giants engaged the services of up to 10 hours. After opening the expiry of red-sumer been added to the program. Starting from one of the guests went to the only observatory, others up to the Hall of Giants. The main branch going through tour started from there, and ended the Aggtelek entrance. The cave has been visited by the special programs were organized in the 19th century. And in front of the Concert Hall of the Boating Lake dam - especially in the summer heat - the local youth dance was held. To this end, the podium constructed wooden gypsy orchestra. The public landowners 1860 - the day of Peter and Paul in traditional purpose of creation "Baradla ceremony t" at which to repeat the next year no longer took place. The cave is a large number of events hosted is of paramount importance. Large crowds mobilized by the Hungarian Doctors and Nature Explorers 1867. annual rally with a memorial plaque was unveiled in honor of the entrance sziklafalában, was released detailed descriptions, and Danko Brothers Baradla cave, named after the march composed. The Petofi Sandor 100th anniversary of the birth of 1923. organized the commemoration on August 19 to 20, more than ten thousand people attended. The cave Anna Mountain opera singer singing, Lola Grill artist reciting poems to entertain the guests

Protection

The cave - like the living beings - are born, grow and die. Shape, size, nature keeps changing. The formation indicates a widening rifts and ásványdíszt killed, and finally, light and shape, losing slowly fills. This process is imperceptible to humans, but can be measured duration of geological periods. In addition to the forces of nature to human activity can cause change, but this was of injury is called.

In Hungary, all natural cavity, which is longer than 2 meters and there is a human being can penetrate, under the Law on the protection of nature is under protection since 1961. The specific value or be placed under significant risk for increased protection. The overall protection of the caves extensive natural history, historical and economic significance warrants. The sub-surface systems - such as the nature of the data bank - preserved millennial information that will help build the land, changes in climate, land surface, wildlife, learn about the evolution of human culture.

The Baradla in Aggtelek is one's worst enemy. Most of the changes in the cave crowds consequence careless work done on the surface but also had an impact. Initially, the biggest problem is the stalactite layout, -pusztítás said. Not only the visitors broke off pieces as souvenirs carried home, but also rich aristocrats saw whole columns were operated out that those castles, palaces decorate your garden. The cseppkőtördelést, general manager of the cave landowners 1839 - the same was banned and at the same time regulated the authority of cave formations bail out of the way as well. Many ásványkiválás careless barlangjárásnak victims. It caused permanent damage to the torch and wood chips used for lighting korma, which is in the rooms, corridors and walls thickly covered both precipitates.

Bats are also enemies of the people, and especially the caves leaders were the ones who fired the sivítva sight of flying animals make the tour more interesting for the entertainment of the guests hanging in clusters among colonies. Many of these deaths game against John Solomon Petényi, the domestic ornithology and paleontology have been the founder of 1846 - he raised his voice; Review preserved for us the cave guestbook.

The entire length of the main branch, especially the Aggtelek and the Red Lake-section caused Jósvafő building hiking trails for visitors to the comfort of a big change. They rearranged the soil of caves, dug strictures, carved out dilated explosion. Sidewalks, stairs, bridges built, stone walls were erected, cables, lights placed on the wall pipelines were dug out. As a result, many foreign materials were released into the passages in the last 100 years, often stacked. The construction in formations, archaeological and paleontological artifacts inevitably fallen victim.

Thanks to a controlled cave visit the vandalism ceased today, the acoustics of the hall managers had not illustrate the stalactites tapping. The lamps provide light electric, unlit stretches of the use of polluting carbide lamp prohibited. The flora and fauna, including the protection of bats guarantees compliance with legal requirements. The reconstruction of the cave built sections of realized according to the conservation expectations: it was the principle that the intervention of the cave in its natural state can only result in minimal changes, is consistent with the underground environment and technical equipment, aesthetic appearance, excess facilities do not disturb the sight and Finally, the new equipment can be improved, can be converted to be subsequently without injury.

Eliminated the danger is caused by improper plowing and intensive fertilization with sinkholes in the area. The loosened soil downhill for the rainfall got into the cave, and a large amount of clay in the Styx-branch and the Boating Lake uploaded significantly, reaching the depths of fertilizer, the chemical composition of the water resources resulting from the Jósvafő changed.

Baradla recognizing the natural value of the 1925 - was declared a national treasure. As Kecsői Cave Domica cave system with - the 1935. Based possibilities afforded by Chapter annual Forest Conservation Act first among the caves - 1940 - was under the protection of nature conservation in. After the second world war, the Baradla 1951 - it was self-defense, since 1982, the specially protected natural site. 1995 - it was placed with the Aggtelek and Slovak Karst cave rest of the World Heritage list. The baradla cave and sectioned catchment area of ​​the country with a margin of 2001 - it came under the protection of internationally important wetlands fixing Ramsar Convention scope.

Baradla owned by the Hungarian state protection now provided by the Directorate of Aggtelek National Park.