Visit to Resava Cave – One of the Most Beautiful Speleological Sites in Serbia

Resava Cave, located in the eastern part of Serbia, represents one of the oldest and most beautiful speleological sites in the country. With an age of 80 million years, the cave is both a fascinating geological and historical treasure that has preserved many natural and cultural secrets throughout the centuries.

Geological and Speleological Data

Resava Cave is located in the village of Jelovac, on the northwestern slopes of Southern Kučaj, about 21 km from Despotovac and 152 km from Belgrade. It is nestled in the limestone massif of Babina Glava between the rivers Resava and Resavica. The cave formed over 80 million years ago, and its continuous water flow, which shaped the cave halls and galleries, is still recognizable even in modern research. While the total length of the cave is 4.5 km, 800 meters have been arranged for tourists, with a circular path that leads through numerous halls and galleries on two levels.

Characteristics of the Cave

Resava Cave is distinctive for its constant temperature of +7°C and high humidity that ranges between 80% and 100%. Visitors to the cave will immediately feel these changes, making the interior of the cave a unique experience. Therefore, it is recommended to bring suitable equipment, such as warmer footwear and clothing.

Speleological Jewelry and Halls

The interior of Resava Cave is rich in various cave ornaments. Stalactites, stalagmites, flowstones, corals, and petrified waterfalls make the cave a true natural museum. The most beautiful part of the cave is undoubtedly the Crystal Hall, which takes one’s breath away due to its crystal formations, among which stand out “The Hanging Lamb,” “The Prison,” and “The Kiss Through a Thousand Years.” Additionally, there is the most beautiful and largest stalagmite in the cave, known as “The Mother with the Child.”

The cave is divided into four levels, but only the first and second are arranged for tourist visits. The upper gallery contains four halls, including:
• The Hall of Merged Columns – located immediately at the entrance, known for its yellowish calcite columns that formed due to seismic tremors.
• The Beehive Hall – home to stalagmites shaped like an ancient beehive.
• The History Hall – significant due to archaeological finds such as a stone axe, spear tips, and the skull of a polar fox.
• The Crystal Hall – the richest in cave ornaments, featuring unusual formations like “Elephant’s Foot” and “The Prison.”

The lower gallery contains the most beautiful hall in the cave, known as the Concert Hall, which is acoustically significant and has numerous statues in various forms, including the cave’s trademark, “The Mother with the Child.”

Biological Diversity

The cave was home to a colony of bats, but they left Resava Cave after it was arranged for tourists. However, its biological diversity remains significant. The cave jewelry found within it is unique, and the geological formations were shaped over thousands of years.

History of Discovery

The cave was known to local shepherding communities, who sought shelter there during storms. The first serious research was conducted in 1962 when it was discovered by shepherds from the village of Jelovac, along with hikers from Svilajnac. Over the following years, the cave was thoroughly explored, and work on its arrangement lasted for 10 years. It was officially opened to visitors on April 22, 1972, and since then, it has become one of the most visited speleological sites in Serbia.

Interesting Facts and Tips for Visitors

One of the most interesting aspects of this cave is its history, which includes the period of prehistoric human life. Some of the oldest discovered artifacts include stone tools and spear tips, while traces of polar foxes have also been found. I suggest that while exploring the cave’s interior, think about how deeply it was connected to the lives of our ancestors, who lived at a time when the cave was their refuge.

Although the cave is most beautiful during the summer months, due to the low temperature, every visitor should dress in layers and wear comfortable footwear, as walking through the cave will be very cold and humid.

Resava Cave is one of the most beautiful natural wonders of Serbia. Its age, rich cave ornaments, fascinating halls, and history make it a must-see destination for all nature lovers, historians, and speleologists. This unique natural monument not only enchants with its beauty but also bears witness to millions of years of geological changes and the presence of life in the area. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, an adventurer, or a history buff, visiting Resava Cave is an unforgettable experience.

How to Get There

You can reach Resava Cave from Belgrade by car in about 2.5 hours. Start your journey by taking the E75 highway at the Despotovac exit, then continue toward the village of Jelovac. The cave is about 20 km from Despotovac and approximately 5 km from the village of Jelovac. The road is well-marked, and the landscape you pass through during the drive makes the journey a pleasant experience as you approach southeastern Serbia and the surrounding mountainous areas.