There are a lot of amazing places along the highway M-11. One of them is located near the village of Ulyanovka, Tosnensky district, Leningrad region. The famous Sablinsky caves are hidden underground only 40 kilometers from St. Petersburg on both banks of the Tosna River. They are part of a complex natural monument, which in addition to caves includes waterfalls, rocks, unique landscapes, and even ancient mounds. Here, in the 13th century, Alexander Nevsky made a stop for his squad before the battle with the Swedes.
More than a dozen caves have appeared here since the mid- 19 century, when red and white sandstone began to be taken from here for production. And at the beginning of the 20th century, quartz sand was mined for the glass factory of Maximilian Frank, built not far, in Nikolskoye. Man-made labyrinths ceased to be created only in 1924, when the quartz sand deposit was abandoned. Then what was dug by human hands began to grind nature itself: groundwater demolished part of the stalks, underground rivers and lakes appeared. Part of the corridors united in large halls where stalactites appeared. Butterflies and bats became residents of the dungeon.
In 1976, the place became a specially protected natural area. In the same period, thrill lovers began to come here. They walked around the catacombs, and some even lived for several days.
The air there is considered curative. But finding the entrances is not so easy. The names of the caves are quite different, including funny: "Pants," "Rope," "Santa Maria." There are even "Fox Holes." The most well-groomed: "Left-bank," "Three-eyed" and "Pearl." In the "Left Bank" there is electricity, the chapel of St. Nicholas and even concerts of sacred music are held. If you want to travel through underground labyrinths, find an accompanying and remember to take a flashlight and warm things.
Sablinsky caves are full of many legends. It is more common to find ghost stories in catacombs. For example, the White Speleologist or the lost grandmother Matveyevna. Speleologist is called cave keeper. One of them has his grave, where cigarettes, matches and coins are carefully left. And the spirit of Grandma appeared when she has disappeared in catacombs from her cellar. Since then, Matveevna indeed, appears in caves, offering lost travelers a treat.
