Gradina cave Kamenjak Premantura

Gradina cave is the southernmost cave in Istria situated 200 meters north of the village of Premantura. The archaeological research conducted and artifacts found show that people from the prehistoric times until the Middle Ages used the cave, visited it and even lived and died in it. There is mention of runaway slaves and robbers or even isolated incurable patients, presumably lepers. However, the questions about the inhabitants of the cave have not been answered yet. It is known that a unique and a very valuable prehistoric iron cross axe, originating from Greece – which were made from the end of the 10th century BC to the 7th century BC – is the first and only finding of this type of tool or weapon in Istria. Near Gradina cave is located Gradina sensory-didactic path.

Gradina cave Kamenjak Premantura

The Greek axe found in Gradina cove shows that as early as 3000 years ago there were sea routes, connections and trade between the Premantura peninsula and the distant Aegean area.