Festini Kingdom Cave

Festinsko Kraljevstvo lies under a field near the village of Festini in central Istria, a single passage and chamber system of a few hundred metres with stalactites, curtains and flowstone kept in good condition because access has always been controlled. It was known locally for a long time and used as a refuge during the Second World War, when people from the villages around hid in it. It was surveyed, fitted with a path and lighting, and opened for guided visits in 2000. Tours last around half an hour and run to a schedule that thins outside summer; the interior sits at about fourteen degrees.

The landscape

• Stalactites, curtains and flowstone - in good condition throughout.
• A wartime refuge - villagers hid here in the Second World War.
• Opened to visitors in 2000 - path and lighting fitted then.
• A half hour tour - the passage and its chamber.

When to go

April to October, when tours run more often. An hour.

Before you go

Guided access only, and outside summer the schedule is sparse - booking avoids a wasted drive. The cave is small and the visit short. Steps and uneven floor rule it out for poor mobility.

Nearby

Zminj is north; Svetvincenat is south-west.