THE WONDER OF THE UNDERGROUND WORLD

The protected landscape of Vjetrenica and Popovo Field is situated in the heart of Herzegovina’s karst in the municipality of Ravno. Popovo Field is a karstic geological phenomenon formed by the action of tectonic forces, river erosion, and corrosion. The hydrological and hydrogeological characteristics of this area have led to a series of interesting karst processes, resulting in caves, pits, and sinkholes.

Vjetrenica is a cave system with a total channel length of up to seven kilometers. It consists of one main channel and many side channels, with only a small portion open to visitors. The cave gets its name from the occurrence of strong “winds”, or air currents, which arise due to the constant internal temperature (11 °C) and variable external air temperature.

Adnan Bubalo

Hidden within are vast treasures of the underground world, its dark passages and halls are adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, creating incredible landscapes beneath the surface. Nearly 200 different animal species have been discovered, including 37 endemic species found only in this cave, ranking it first in the world for biodiversity. Visitors are particularly intrigued by the endemic olm (human fish), which breathes through its lungs and skin, yet retains three bushy gills throughout its life. In one channel, a complete leopard skeleton was even found, earning it the name Leopard Cave.

In addition to several watercourses, the cave system also features several lakes. The vast Vjetrenica Lake can be explored by boats accompanied by experienced speleologists as part of an adrenaline tour for those over 18 years old.

In the southwest of Popovo Field, beneath the Ostrog Hill, the Zavala Monastery is embedded into a cave on its northern slope. Judging by the seal, it was built in the 13th century and documented for the first time in 1514.

Find this QR code on the location: