Vranjača cave, Protected karst cave at Mosor mountain slopes near Kotlenice, Croatia.
Vranjača cave is a protected karst formation on the Mosor mountain slopes featuring two main chambers filled with limestone formations in varied shapes and colors. The passage system extends approximately 360 meters and offers visitors multiple areas to explore with natural columns, stalactites, and other rock formations.
A local landowner named Stipe Punda discovered the decorated second chamber in 1903, which sparked scientific exploration of the cave. This investigation revealed Neolithic artifacts and remains of extinct animals preserved within the chambers.
The cave has been a focus of scientific inquiry since its discovery, attracting researchers studying the lifeforms and geological features within its chambers. Visitors today can observe how the site remains an active place of exploration and study, with prepared areas showcasing the ongoing interest in understanding what makes this cave distinctive.
The cave maintains a temperature of about 15 degrees Celsius (59 Fahrenheit) year-round, making warm clothing and sturdy footwear essential for any visit. Guided tours last about an hour and lead visitors through lit pathways that are safe to navigate, though uneven ground requires careful footing.
An underground river called the Jadro flows approximately 10 meters beneath the lowest points of the cave chambers, forming a hidden subterranean waterway. This concealed water source is a crucial part of the local karst ecosystem, though it remains below the surface and out of direct visitor view.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
