Slovenia has the oldest tourist cave in Europe!
Hidden in the picturesque landscape near Sežana in Slovenia is the Vilenica Cave, an underground wonder that holds the title of the oldest tourist cave in Europe.
With the first recorded visitors dating back to 1633, Vilenica has been enchanting tourists for almost four centuries.
Visual representation of the Vilenica cave from 1810, Photo: Ferdinand Runk and Anton Herzinger, public domain
The cave is located next to the idyllic village of Lokev na Krasu, a region known for its unique geological formations and rich speleological heritage. The Speleological group of Sežana revitalized this natural wonder in 1963 by installing modern trails and electric lighting, ensuring that its beauty can once again be shared with the world.
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Legend has it that the cave was once home to benevolent fairy creatures, after which it got its name.
The Vilenica cave is more than 1300 meters long and 180 meters deep, but tourists are only allowed to enter and view the first 450 meters.
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Until the middle of the 19th century, Vilenica was known as the most beautiful, largest, and most visited cave in the Slovenian Karst, and later that primacy was taken over by the famous Postojna Cave.
Zoran Kovačić
I do miracles right away, but the impossible still takes me a little time!
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