About Resava Cave
Resava Cave (Resavska Pećina) is one of the most spectacular karst cave systems in Serbia, formed over 80 million years in the limestone bedrock of the Beljanica Mountain in eastern Serbia. Discovered in 1976 and opened to the public shortly after, the cave stretches for approximately 4.5 kilometers, of which 800 meters are developed for tourism with illuminated walkways and stairs. The cave descends to a depth of 73 meters and maintains a constant temperature of 7-10°C year-round regardless of outside conditions. Its formations — stalactites, stalagmites, columns, draperies, and the rare helictites (crystals that grow in seemingly gravity-defying patterns) — are among the richest and best-preserved in the Balkans.
The cave is divided into eight chambers, each with distinct formations. The most spectacular is the Concert Hall (Koncentna Sala), a vast chamber measuring 60 meters long, 30 meters wide, and 18 meters high with remarkable natural acoustics — it can hold approximately 4,000 people and occasionally hosts classical music concerts. The Hall of Blocks features massive collapsed stalactite blocks, the Underground Lake reflects the crystal formations above in still, dark water, and the Alley of Columns presents forest-like clusters of stone pillars reaching from floor to ceiling. The cave also contains a small underground stream that feeds the Resava River above ground. Evidence of human use dates back to the Neolithic period, and during the Ottoman period the cave served as a refuge for local communities.
The cave entrance sits in a dramatic limestone cliff face within the Resava River gorge, surrounded by dense beech and oak forests. Above ground, the area offers hiking trails through the gorge, including a 4-km marked path to the Ripaljka Waterfall — a 20-meter cascade that is one of the most beautiful in eastern Serbia. The cave is just 5 km from the Manasija Monastery (Resava Monastery), making the two a perfect combined day trip. The nearby town of Despotovac provides basic services, and the broader region includes the Lisine Waterfall, the Sisevac Canyon, and the Vrelo Spring — one of the largest karst springs in Serbia, emerging from a cave mouth at the base of the Beljanica Mountain.
🗓 Best Time to Visit
Open year-round — the constant cave temperature means conditions are identical in summer and winter. Spring and autumn offer the best conditions for combining with hiking and the Manasija Monastery visit. The cave is busiest on weekends and July-August. Visit on a weekday morning for the quietest experience.
🍽 Food & Drink
Restoran Resava (€8-16) near the cave entrance serves grilled meats and trout from the Resava River. Etno Kuća Manasija (€10-20) near the monastery offers lamb under the sač and local cheeses. Vidikovac Resava (€10-22) provides panoramic views of the Resava Gorge with international and Serbian dishes. The Despotovac area is known for Resavski sir (soft white cheese), river trout grilled with local herbs, and roasted meats cooked under the iron baking lid. Local rakija distilleries produce excellent kajsijevača (apricot brandy) and dunjevača (quince brandy).
🚗 Getting There & Around
140 km southeast of Belgrade (2h by car via Smederevo-Požarevac-Svilajnac). Buses from Belgrade to Despotovac (2.5-3h, €10-12), then taxi or minibus to the cave (5 km, ~€5). Most visitors combine the cave with Manasija Monastery. A rental car is strongly recommended as public transport to the cave itself is limited. The final 2 km to the cave entrance is a paved uphill road. Parking is free. The cave tour involves 285 steps — sturdy shoes recommended.
🏨 Where to Stay
Hotel Resava in Despotovac (from €40) offers comfortable rooms. Guesthouse Beljanica (from €35) is closer to the cave entrance. Vila Despotovac (from €25) is a budget option. Most visitors make a day trip from Belgrade, but staying overnight allows for hiking in the Resava Gorge and visiting Manasija Monastery at sunrise.
🎯 Things to Do
Cave tour: 40-minute guided tour through 800m of illuminated walkways (entry ~500 RSD/€4). Concert Hall: The vast chamber with natural acoustics — ask about occasional concerts. Ripaljka Waterfall: 4-km hike from the cave entrance to a 20-meter cascade (marked trail). Combine with Manasija Monastery: The two sites are 5 km apart and make a perfect day pairing. Lisine Waterfall and Sisevac Canyon: Further into the Beljanica Mountain for experienced hikers.
Tips for Resava Cave: (1) Bring a warm jacket — the cave stays at 7-10°C even in the middle of summer. The walkway includes 285 steps so wear sturdy shoes. (2) Combine with Manasija Monastery (5 km away) for a perfect half-day itinerary — visit the monastery in the morning for best fresco light and the cave in the afternoon. (3) The Ripaljka Waterfall hike (4 km one-way from the cave) is well worth the effort for the swimming hole at the base — allow 2 hours round-trip.