Resava cave, Show cave near Despotovac, Serbia

Resava Cave is a limestone cave in the Babina Glava hill above the Divljakovac karst field, near Jelovac in eastern Serbia. It has four levels, of which the first two are fitted for visits, and its explored channels run about 2,850 metres. The entrance lies at 485 metres above sea level, and the lowest point inside, Bobanova Hall, is about 30 metres below it. A 402-metre concrete path with steps and railings climbs past a broad flowstone column and dense hanging stalactites.

Shepherds discovered the cave entrance in 1962, which sparked immediate scientific investigation of the site. A decade later it opened to visitors and became a popular destination for tourism.

The cave is nicknamed "Resava Beauty" for the red, yellow and white colours of its calcite formations, tinted by iron oxide, crystallised calcium and clay. Groups of stalagmites carry names such as "Beehive", "Grandfather and Grandmother" and "Taran Family". A popular story tells of a stalactite and stalagmite a few millimetres apart that will need a thousand years to kiss.

The cave maintains a steady temperature of 7 degrees Celsius year-round, keeping it cool throughout your visit. Guided tours follow 800 meters of lit pathways and are mainly available from April through October.

The cave's symbol is a massive stalagmite 20 m tall and 12 m wide, named the Statue of Mother with a Child. Nearby, a stalactite and stalagmite stand a few millimetres apart; guides say a thousand years will pass before they meet in a "kiss".