The cave system of Pál-valley, Budapest

The cave of Pál-völgy is part of the country's longest cave system and is one of the Most Beautiful Caves in Hungary. For over 500 years, it has been open to the public. A 500-metre cave tour reveals information about dripstones, rock formations, and the cave's history. Visitors can explore the enigmatic Fairyland and the Witches' Kitchen. Budapest is known as the "City of Caves," and this is not by chance. This is the world's only capital built on cavern systems. The number of caves discovered exceeds 200, not counting those yet to be discovered.

The cave was formed 40 million years ago during the Eocene Epoch. Eocene limestone is composed of calcareous remains of marine organisms that accumulated on the ancient seafloor and lithified. When the water receded, bedrock emerged, causing cracks as a result of tectonic movements. Finally, rising thermal water dissolved rock, forming voids and passages. The Pál-völgy Cave was discovered in a quarry near Szépvölgyi Street in 1904. According to legend, the first void was discovered when the ground gave way beneath a grazing sheep.

Location: Budapest, Hungary