Vilina špilja Archaeological Site, Rožat

Vilina špilja (Fairy Cave) is located in steep rocks above the source of the Ombla river, near Rožat in Rijeka dubrovačka (Dubrovnik-Neretva County). It is interesting because it combines archaeology and nature: it is part of a cave system with the Ombla Spring, and by its cave fauna and endemic species it is counted among the richest in Croatia.

The entrance is at 137.66 m above sea level, and the cave has three halls with a total length of about 50 m; by its dimensions it is potentially the longest in Dalmatia. The finds range from the Neolithic to late antiquity, and it was used most intensively in the Hellenistic period, as confirmed by fragments of high-quality imported Hellenistic tableware from the 4th to the 2nd century BC. Judging by the type of finds and the position, it is assumed that there was an Illyrian sanctuary here, and in other periods it may have served as a temporary shelter.

A protected cultural good, entered in the Register of Cultural Goods of the Republic of Croatia under the code Z-7232.

Data: Register of Cultural Goods of the Republic of Croatia (Ministry of Culture and Media), Open Licence; coordinates: DGU (centre of the settlement).