Bornukovskaya Cave

The cave was called so owing to the name of the village which is situated nearby. They became famous thanks to the local craftsmen who created the unique artistic works made of stone from Bornukovo, described as being “as white as sugar, fibrous in some places and as clear as glass”. It has a white, blue, red and brown tinge to it. It was sought-after, even at the time of Catherine the Great when it was sent to St. Petersburg to decorate its palaces. The local craftsment quickly started to use the natural beauty and wide availability of the “rock for economic ends. Objects from Bornukovskaya Peschera” founded during the communist era enjoyed great renown and often won medals at Russian and international exhibitions.

he investigations of the caves hidden under the ruins showed the length of the cave (200m). It consists of 6 halls (from 25 to 95m long and 10m high) connected by narrow passages. In two of them there are small lakes with crystal water and fish flowing from the river Piana. The water level in the lakes is equal to that in the Piana. Glittering in the lamplight, the caves look graceful and mysterious. You’ll be amazed at the glittering sparks of quartz on the surface of the cave. In the powerful light white-and-pink or blueish stone begins to shine (“Nizhniy Novgorod marble”). Natural alabaster of the light blue and pink tinge produces mysterious pictures and gives soft lusterless light. You can also see here “Marjino glass” which is a wonderful king of gypsum with smooth, and shining surface. Long ago it was used instead of glass. Nowadays in the windows of Italian chapel one can see this mineral, where it is called “Madonna’s glass”. Fibrous, with silky shine the moon stone makes the feeling of mystery. Last century craftsmen used it to make pictures, tobacco boxes and the other beautiful things.

 When looking at this shining beauty you can’t but compare the interior of the cave with a “crystal underground palace”.

Nowadays the cave is inaccessible. The entrances to its both cavities, situated on the very top of rock are very dangerous. But the cave isn’t as deserted as it may seem. Bats have chosen to take up residence in the fissures in the wall. So when you are visiting try not to make too much noise, so as not to disturb the sleepy reign of these winged lay bouts.

You can only go down to the cave floor accompanied by an experienced guide.