Pellumbas Cave, Prehistoric cave in Tirana County, Albania
Pellumbas Cave is a karst formation located in the mountain slopes of Dajti National Park, extending approximately 360 meters into the rock with passages between 10 and 15 meters wide. The interior contains multiple chambers distributed across different levels, spanning a vertical range of roughly 45 meters through the limestone structure.
The cave was inhabited since the Paleolithic period, as confirmed by archaeological excavations that revealed human settlement remains within it. Fossils of cave bears from approximately 400,000 years ago were also discovered, documenting the long history of this location.
The cave holds multiple names in local tradition, including Shpella e Pellumbasit and Shpella e Zeze, reflecting its importance to the surrounding communities. These names show how deeply this place is woven into the cultural memory of the region.
The climb from Pellumbas Village to the cave entrance takes roughly 90 minutes uphill, so comfortable hiking boots are recommended. Guides provide flashlights for exploring the interior, which is essential since the chambers are completely dark.
Access to the cave requires a challenging hike from Pellumbas Village, which means only dedicated visitors venture to its deepest chambers. This has helped preserve the formations in a relatively untouched state, maintaining their original character.
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