Romuald's Cave (Romualdova Pećina)
Croatia · Europe
The first example of figurative Paleolithic cave art ever discovered in the Balkan Peninsula.
Age
~17,000 - 34,000 yrs
Period
Upper Paleolithic
Setting
Cave
Art form
Petroglyphs
Discovered
2010
Status
Open Access
Located in Istria, Croatia, this cave made headlines when an international team published findings of ancient red pigment paintings in 2019, initially noticed in 2010. The rock art features figurative depictions of a bison, an ibex, and two possible anthropomorphic (human-like) figures. Further excavations below the paintings yielded a flint tool, an ochre crayon, and charcoal, suggesting the artworks date back between 17,000 and 34,000 years. This monumental discovery expanded the known registry of Paleolithic art into Southeastern Europe.
Notable Features
- ◦ First figurative Paleolithic art in the Balkans
- ◦ Red ochre paintings of an ibex and bison
- ◦ Discovered alongside an ancient ochre crayon
Depicted Subjects
BisonIbexAnthropomorphic Figures
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.