Bakota Cave Monastery and Dniester River Canyon Tour

Bakota is a must-visit place of the Western Ukraine that will impress you with beautiful landscapes and special atmosphere. This place with a centuries-old history is famous for many reasons.

One of the most important sites in Bakota is an ancient cave monastery, situated on the high hill over the Dniester River. According to archaeological excavations, it was founded approx. in the XI century but was partially destroyed in the XIII century, when Mongols invaded Kievan Rus’. There is a legend that monks and village people hid in the caves from the invaders, who closed the entrance with stones and buried them alive.

Not all the caves survived until our days. However, you may still see the monastery on a steep slope and find springs with holly water that has healing properties.

In addition, you will find out the story of the Bakota village, which is now completely hidden under the riverbed of the Dniester River. Bakota was a prosperous village with dense population before 1981, when it was decided to build a reservoir on the Dniester River. All the people was forced to leave their houses and move to the neighbor villages. After that the entire village was submerged under the water.

Today, the Bakota canyon is one of the most picturesque places of the Western Ukraine. The panorama of the river from the high hill creates an unbelievable impression. You will have a chance to admire splendid views from the top of the slope and then go down the narrow path to the riverside.

A day spent in Bakota, is a great opportunity to enjoy the nature and learn many interesting historical facts.