Císařská jeskyně

Cisarska Cave - Imperial Cave

Useful Information

Location:	Near Ostrov u Macochy. From Ostrov follow road 373 towards Sloup, right after the village on the left hand side. (49.38606557616477, 16.768721443760345)
Open:	Once a year on Saints Day. After appointment. For speleotherapy. [2008]
Fee:
Classification:	Karst Cave Speleotherapy
Light:	Incandescent
Dimension:
Guided tours:
Photography:
Accessibility:
Bibliography:	J. Faimon, J. Štelcl, J. Zimák, P. Slavík (2000): The aerosols in the atmosphere of the Císarská Cave (the Moravian Karst), Geol. výzk. Mor. Slez. v r. 1999, 2000, 7, p. 146-147. J. Faimon, J. Štelcl, J. Zimák, P. Slavík (2000): The dynamics of dripping waters (the Císarská Cave, the Moravian Karst), Geol. výzk. Mor. Slez. v r. 1999, 2000, 7, p. 147-149. J. Zimák, J. Faimon, J. Štelcl (2000): The manganese-rich coatings on the wall of the Císarská Cave (the Moravian Karst), Geol. výzk. Mor. Slez. v r. 1999, 2000, 7, p. 167-169.
Address:	Dĕtská léčebna se speleoterapií v Ostrovĕ u Macochy p.o., 679 14 Ostrov u Macochy 389, Tel: +420-516-444334, +420-516-444322. E-mail:
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1930	opened as a show cave.
1952	closed.
1990	cave renovated for the use for speleotherapy.
2000	introduction of a yearly open day.

Description

Císařská jeskyně (Imperial Cave) is also called Moravian Lourdes. The reason is that this place once was a religious centre, wich was the destination of pilgrimages. The cave contains a statue of the Virgin Mary. It was developed and open to the public since 1930, but after World War II Czechia became a communist country, united with Slowakia it was called Czechoslowakia. And the communist regime tried to abolish all religious places, so the cave was closed in 1952.

After the end of the cold war the cave was reactivated by the locals. It was developed, the paths were fixed and even new electric light was installed. However, with numerous fine show caves nearby and the lack of a broad Catholic culture it did not restore its former importance. The cave was then used for speleotherapy, which means the cave was somewhat open to the public as visitors could enter the cave for health reason. It was used especially to treat children with asthma and similar illnesses.

People who want to visit the cave can do so once a year on Saints Day. On this day a catholic service is held inside the cave. Also, it is possible to visit the cave by appointment.