Located in the Bišina area, west of Nevesinje, Novakuša Cave is one of Eastern Herzegovina’s remarkable natural attractions. With its monumental entrance, vast underground chambers and dramatic rock formations, this protected natural monument offers a fascinating destination for nature enthusiasts, photographers and explorers.
The cave recently attracted the attention of renowned landscape photographer Boris Trogrančić, whose work has also been published by National Geographic.
While photographing the natural beauty of Eastern Herzegovina for the Tourist Organization of Republika Srpska, Trogrančić decided to take a detour and explore this unusual location.
“This is one of the most extraordinary natural sites I have ever visited,” Trogrančić told SeeSrpska.
A monumental entrance surrounded by towering cliffs
According to the Nevesinje Tourist Organization, the entrance to Novakuša Cave measures approximately 70 meters in width and 20 meters in height, making it one of the largest known cave openings in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The cave lies at the foot of a natural rocky amphitheater, surrounded by almost vertical cliffs that reach heights of approximately 100 meters in certain places.
The combination of the enormous cave entrance and the surrounding limestone formations creates an impressive natural landscape.
Beyond the entrance lies a vast underground chamber connected to a network of horizontal and vertical passages.
According to speleological data, the main chamber measures approximately 200 meters in both length and width, highlighting the extraordinary scale of this natural phenomenon.
The legend of Starina Novak
Novakuša Cave is also associated with an intriguing local legend.
Its name is linked to Starina Novak, a legendary Serb hajduk who, according to local folklore, once used the cave’s spacious chambers as a hiding place.
In one of the smaller chambers, visitors can find a stone slab traditionally believed to have served as his bed.
Although the story belongs to local folklore, it adds a historical and cultural dimension to the cave’s natural beauty.
Discovering the unexplored beauty of Eastern Herzegovina
Novakuša is one of the many remarkable natural sites that demonstrate the tourism potential of Eastern Herzegovina, particularly beyond the region’s established tourist routes.
Its enormous entrance, spectacular rock formations and extensive underground chambers make it an exceptional example of the area’s karst landscape.
The cave’s connection to the legend of Starina Novak further enriches its appeal, combining natural heritage with the traditions and stories of the local population.
For photographers, nature lovers and adventurous travelers, Novakuša Cave offers an opportunity to discover one of the lesser-known natural treasures of Republika Srpska.
Source: See Srpska
