Vertolyotnaya Cave, Limestone karst cave in Burzyansky District, Russia
Vertolyotnaya Cave is a limestone karst formation in Bashkortostan featuring a prominent entrance portal and an intricate network of passages. The system contains multiple chambers and passages structured on different levels, with an underground river flowing through sections of it.
Early humans sought refuge in this cave during the Upper Paleolithic period, leaving behind tools and evidence of fires from their occupation. Research into the site grew more systematic starting in the 18th century, when scholars documented the extent of ancient human activity.
The underground chambers contain numerous Upper Paleolithic rock paintings dating back 16,000 years, depicting horses, rhinos, and mammoths in their natural state.
Exploring the cave requires bringing a reliable flashlight and wearing sturdy footwear, as the ground is uneven and can be slippery in places. Planning a visit with a local guide is recommended, since navigating the passages independently can be confusing.
This site contains some of the northernmost ancient rock paintings ever discovered, showing ice age animals like mammoths and rhinos. These artworks offer insight into the artistic skills and daily life of people thousands of years ago.
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