«Mother and Child»
The huge stalagmite symbol of the cave.
Geograf208 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Geograf208 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Anja Ignjatovic — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Djina — CC BY-SA 4.0 · DjordjeMarkovic — CC BY-SA 4.0
Resava Cave is one of the largest cave systems in Serbia, near Jelovac in the east of the country, about 20 km from Despotovac. Its passages run for about 4.5 km, of which 800 m are prepared for visitors, and its coloured stalactites and stalagmites please nature lovers and families alike. The cave is estimated to be 80 million years old, with its oldest formations dating back 45 million years. Local shepherds found it by accident in 1962, and after ten years of exploration it opened to visitors on 22 April 1972. A survey published in 2020 showed that it and smaller caves nearby host 28 species of bats. Its halls spread over two levels, and its colours come from minerals in the water: red from iron oxide, white from calcium and yellow from clay. The cave's symbol is a massive stalagmite 20 m tall and 12 m wide, named Mother and Child. The entrance sits at 485 m above sea level and the lowest point at 405 m. An adventure park with hanging bridges and a zip line was added inside in 2017. Wear closed, non-slip shoes and bring a light jacket, since caves are usually cool and the paths include steps. Paying in cash is safest, according to tour operators. Manasija Monastery is 13 km away in a straight line, and day trips from Belgrade combine the two.
The huge stalagmite symbol of the cave.
Red, white and yellow formations.
Hanging bridges and a zip line.
Near Jelovac, about 20 km from Despotovac
Local shepherds found it by accident in 1962, and it opened to visitors in 1972.
It is wise. Some operators say cash only, while others mention cards.