Badanj Cave
Bosnia and Herzegovina · Europe
Features the oldest artistic monument in Bosnia and Herzegovina, providing insight into early Mediterranean hunting cultures.
Age
~14,000 - 15,000 yrs
Period
Epigravettian (Upper Paleolithic)
Setting
Cave
Art form
Petroglyphs
Discovered
1976
Status
Open Access
Perched 45 meters above the Bregava river canyon near Stolac, the Badanj site is a shallow rock shelter that served as a periodic hunting camp for small human communities between March and May. Discovered in 1976, it holds a famous engraving on a polished rock block depicting a horse under attack by arrows. Dating back to around 13,000 to 12,000 BC, this is the first find of its kind on the eastern Adriatic coast and reveals close artistic ties to Mediterranean Paleolithic art.
Notable Features
- ◦ Oldest known art in Bosnia and Herzegovina
- ◦ Rock engraving of a horse pelted by arrows
- ◦ Evidence of seasonal hunting and bone tool production
Depicted Subjects
HorseArrows (Signs)
Plan a Visit
AccessThis cave can be visited.
Sources & Further Reading
Hours & prices change — always confirm on the official site before travelling.
Photographs via Wikimedia Commons — image credits. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.