Špilja Mramornica, Cave near Brtonigla, Istria, Croatia
Špilja Mramornica is one of the largest caves on the Istrian peninsula, located near the town of Brtonigla in northwestern Croatia. Inside, several large underground halls are filled with stalactites and stalagmites, some of which reach over 30 feet (10 meters) in height.
The first written record of the cave dates to 1770, when the traveler Alberto Fortis visited and described it. Local people had already known and used it since prehistoric times, long before that account was written.
The name Mramornica comes from the marble-like mineral deposits that cover the walls and ceilings inside. These formations catch the light during guided tours and give each visit a slightly different look.
The cave can be visited on a guided tour, which is open to families and groups of all kinds. The air inside stays cool year-round, so bringing a light jacket is a good idea.
Close to the cave lies the farm Stancija Drušković, where visitors can taste local products and learn about Istrian rural life. Combining both stops in a single day gives a very different view of the same area.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
