Koněprusy Caves
Koněprusy is quite a small village in the Bohemian Karst protected landscape area, but it has one special place. In the immediate vicinity of the village is the largest cave system in Bohemia – the Koněprusy Caves.
The caves are located on the Zlatý kůň hill and were formed in Devonian limestone, and are up to 400 million years old. These limestones are of marine origin and were formed by the accumulation of calcareous shells of invertebrates. The caves have three floors and so far, 2,050 metres of passageways and domes have been explored, reaching a total impressive height of seventy metres.
The stalactites, formed over several generations, contribute to the unique atmosphere of these caves. Among the oldest ones are the amazing sun-shaped decorations, for which the name Koněprusy rosette has been used, which also contain clear or milky opal, in addition to calcite.
The temperature inside the caves is around 10 °C all year round, which suits bats and wrens. These are strictly protected and the caves are among the most important biotopes for these species in the Czech Republic.
Thanks to the discovery of bones and tools belonging to the Homo Sapiens, we know that the cave was inhabited in ancient history. The cave experienced a curious use in the 15th century during the reign of King George of Poděbrady. At that time, the cave was home to money swindlers who minted fake coins from copper sheeting.
In modern history, the cave was rediscovered in 1950 by cavers and since then extensive research has been carried out. At the same time, the caves have been open to the general public since 1959. Currently, the caves are open almost all year long, the tour lasts about an hour and visitors can walk through approximately 620 metres of passages.
