Pešturina, Archaeological cave in Niška Banja, Serbia.
Pešturina is a cave on the northern slopes of Suva Planina mountain near Niška Banja. The entrance measures about 15 meters wide and 3.5 meters high, with the passage extending roughly 22 meters into the mountain.
Excavations starting in 2006 revealed artifacts from Middle and Upper Paleolithic periods spanning thousands of years. This archaeological work has transformed our understanding of early human settlement in Serbia.
The name comes from an archaic Serbian word meaning cave, reflecting how local language connects to the landscape. Visitors can see this linguistic tradition still used in the region for describing similar underground formations.
Access to the site requires permission from research teams since ongoing investigations protect its archaeological value. Visitors should contact local authorities in advance to explore whether a visit is possible.
In 2019, researchers discovered the first Neanderthal remains found in Serbia at this location, including a well-preserved tooth. This discovery revealed these ancient people inhabited the region more widely than previously thought.
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