Bear Grotto (Shiryayevo)

Bear Grotto is a natural monument on the Samara Bend, in the Zhiguli Mountains, a few kilometres from the village of Shiryayevo in Samara Oblast. The grotto formed from the dissolution of limestone and is fairly small: its average interior height is 2.2 metres and its width is 3.5 metres. Inside, ledges of dolomitic limestone form terrace-like steps.

The name is explained in different ways. One version links it to the noise of the pine forest at the entrance, which creates the impression of a large animal approaching. Another connects it with a find of bear bones, though a speleological commission's study did not confirm this: among the remains found were only bones of rodents and a hare, possibly among the oldest known representatives of the region's fauna.

The area around the grotto is also known for hosting the annual Valery Grushin Bard Song Festival, which gathers musicians and live-music fans.

The grotto lies within the protected natural area of the Samara Bend, so visits should follow the rules of the nature reserve and national park. The nearest village, Shiryayevo, is also known for the Shiryayevo mine galleries, one of the largest bat hibernation sites in Europe.