Násznép Cave, Natural cave system in Kosd, Hungary
Násznép is a cave on the northeast side of Naszály mountain, about 1,200 metres east of the summit near the abandoned Csurgó quarry. Its entrance is 13 metres long and 3 metres high. Inside are three large chambers: the first is 15 by 15 metres and dry, the second measures 8 by 10 metres and has a thick guano floor, and the third has ceiling chimneys ending in spherical pockets.
The cave was first officially documented in 1913 when researcher Ottokár Kadić published his findings about its geological and archaeological features. This early scientific study established the foundation for modern understanding of the site.
The name recalls legends of a wedding party driven from nearby Kosd by Tatars, or by Turks, who hid in the cave; the enemy wanted the beautiful bride. Another tale has a nobleman's son and a peasant girl fleeing here to marry against his father's will. Pottery fragments found inside likely fed these stories.
The inner passages are gated; entry requires a permit from the Duna-Ipoly National Park Directorate. The cave can be visited only from 1 May to 31 August, since it is closed from 1 September to 30 April to protect hibernating bats. A blue cave-marked (Ω) trail branches off the Országos Kéktúra blue route to the entrance. Basic caving equipment is needed.
The second chamber contains significant deposits of guano left by bats that make the cave their winter home. This makes the cave an important shelter for several bat species seeking refuge from the cold months.
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