Kraljičina Špilja

Useful Information

Location:	Oključna, island Vis. (43.0738211, 16.1010961)
Open:	no restrictions. [2023]
Fee:	free. [2023]
Classification:	Karst cave
Light:	bring torch
Dimension:	A=70 m asl, L=60 m.
Guided tours:	self guided
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:	Timothy Kaiser, Stašo Forenbaher (2001): Krajicina spilja i brončano doba otoka Visa abstract online
Address:	Kraljičina Špilja.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

1985	archaeological examination by Dinko Radić.
1994	excavation of the cave by Timothy Kaiser and Stašo Forenbaher.

Description

Kraljičina Špilja (The Queen's Cave) is an undeveloped cave which is very easy to visit. The name refers to a legend that this cave was the home of the Illyrian Queen Teuta. The cave is used since prehistoric times, archaeological finds from the Neolithic and the Younger Bronze Age were excavated. The cave entrance is 2 m high and 3 m wide, 70 m asl it offers a view on the nearby island Šolta. The entrance hall is 14 m long and 10 m wide. The cave has a huge main passage which connects five chambers. It is the largest cave of Vis island.

The cave is located in the limestone cliff of the northern coast of island Vis. A trail which starts at the church of Oključna leads to the cave, about 2.5 km walk, about 50 minutes. Do not forget sun protection and some water. At the end of the 19th century the people of Komiža built a road to the cave trying to make it a show cave. The cave was actually never developed, and the road was forgotten, today it is partly destroyed and overgrown. But the trail to the cave is maintained, the last section is rather stepp and ropes are attached to the trees for safety. The cave visit requires good walking shoes, a helmet with headlamp, and a jacket.