Tettye Lime Tuff Cave
The Tettye Lime Tuff Cave in Pécs is a unique geological formation. The cave system got created in the thick, loose-structured, about 10,000 year-old calcareous tuff. Over the centuries, the cave passages have been artificially extended by carving out additional passages inside the mountain, thus creating a small labyrinthine system. Once these underground cave formations also served as human dwellings.
It was in 1906 that a tourist attraction, then called “Gateway to Hell” was opened in the Tettye lime tuff cave, then interpreted as a dragon’s cave, trying to scare and prank visitors. This attraction was abolished in the 1920s, and the cave openings were all blocked. For decades, the cave was thus forgotten, until in spring 2008 it was opened once again for the public, this time focusing on education rather than trying to startle visitors. During the course of one decade, the exhibition gradually became partly outdated and worn out, therefore a new exhibition was built in 2018, meeting today’s expectations, and providing a clear message and unique experience, attracting visitors with sound effects and video clips.
The backbone of the renewed exhibition is a journey through time from the past to the present. The first part is mainly characterised by a natural history approach, using spectacular animations, graphics and installations to present the geological period stretching from the Lower Triassic to the present day. This way visitors can learn about the processes that led to the formation of the cave and its immediate surroundings, as well as about the natural features of the cave and the process of lime tuff formation.
The second half of the exhibition is centred on historical and cultural aspects. Visitors can learn how important water, once creating the cave, was and still is in supplying the town with drinking water and in driving the wheels of mills once existing in the Tettye valley. At the end of the journey through time, a film takes visitors to the recent past and then to the present. The possible future is outlined, of which environmental awareness and responsible behaviour towards our built environment are important elements.
The way to visit this mystic underground cave system is through adventurous, 45-minute long guided tours that depart every hour. Temperatures in the cave are about 14 degrees °C all year round, which should be considered when choosing your clothes for the visit.
Information, booking visits for groups
+3672211830
barlang@barlangpecs.hu
Opening hours
16 March – 30 June: from Tuesdays to Sundays 10.00-18.00
1 July -31 August: from Tuesdays to Sundays 10.00-19.00
1 September – 31 October: from Tuesdays to Sundays 10.00-18.00
1 November 1 – 15 March: closed
Prices
Adults: HUF 2500/person
Children, students, pensioners, teachers: HUF 2000/person
Children up to 3 years of age: registration ticket: 100 HUF/person
Credit cards are accepted for payment.