Čertova pec, Prehistoric cave in Považský Inovec mountains, Slovakia.
Čertova pec is a cave formation in the dolomite limestone of the Považský Inovec mountains, extending roughly 27 meters into the rock face. The entrance sits at approximately 253 meters elevation and creates a natural passage through the mountainside.
Archaeological work revealed that people inhabited this cave during the Paleolithic period, with evidence dating back roughly 38,400 years. Multiple layers of occupation demonstrate a long history of human presence at the site.
The name refers to the 'Devil's Oven' and the site has become a gathering point for hikers exploring the mountain region. A nearby roadhouse with a game house adds to the local character and provides a place to stop and learn about forest life.
Three marked hiking paths lead to the cave entrance, which is freely accessible year-round without any admission fee. Visitors can come anytime and explore the passage independently.
Among the artifacts found are stone tools and shell remains that hint at connections between the people living here and populations from the Black Sea region. These discoveries suggest that prehistoric inhabitants had contact or traded across vast distances.
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