Municipality of Donja Voća: Cave Site, Culture and Trails

Špilja Vindija is protected as a cultural and natural monument. Fossil analyses show that Neanderthals lived in the cave more than 40,000 years ago. The “Planinarski put po Ravnoj gori” begins in Donja Voća, passes by the cave towards the summit of Ravna gora, is approximately 26 km long, and has ten checkpoints.

Other places to visit include the Chapel of Sv. Tome in the upper part of Donja Voća, the parish church of Sv. Martina biskupa in the centre of the settlement, and the “Virtualna zagorska hiža,” which can be visited by prior arrangement with the Municipality of Donja Voća.

Špilja Vindija is a site of both natural and cultural-historical interest. Fossil analyses point to Neanderthals who lived more than 40,000 years ago. If you would like to learn more about the site, you can use the augmented reality app “Prehistory Adventure.” It is available on all mobile devices and includes expert descriptions of the site as well as a research quiz.

The cave is also connected to events held today. On 21 June 2025, the eleventh edition of “Špilja Vindija – naša prošlost i budućnost” took place in front of Špilja Vindija. Traditional local specialities and souvenirs were offered at the foot of the cave during the event. This information relates to the 2025 edition; it does not establish a future date.

The Chapel of Sv. Tome is an old medieval chapel that was Baroque in style. In the first decades of the 18th century, Baroque vaults were added to the interior of the medieval building, along with movable furnishings. In 1736, Ivan Krstitelj Ranger painted “Doubting Thomas with Christ” for the main altar. The building’s history and furnishings give the chapel a distinctly medieval and Baroque character.

The parish also has a long history: the parish of Voća is recorded in 1334 in the first complete register of parishes in the Diocese of Zagreb. The parish church of Sv. Martina biskupa is located in the centre of the settlement of Donja Voća. If your visit focuses on sacred art, these historical details and the Chapel of Sv. Tome can be considered as distinct themes in the area’s history.

Voća is also associated with naïve art. Slavko Stolnik was born there and created most of his best works in Voća, inspired by local motifs from everyday life. Stjepan Stolnik and Radovan Švetak found inspiration in nature, idyllic landscapes and the people who lived there. These connections give the art a specific local context, without reducing the three artistic perspectives to a single motif.

Cycling is also an option in Voća. Marked and unmarked routes, forest tracks and roads are used for this purpose. Local roads and routes have low traffic volumes. If you are planning a cycling trip, bear in mind that the route types described vary: the local options include forest tracks and roads as well as marked routes.

The Sportski park hrvatskih branitelja in Donja Voća includes a modern football pitch, a beach volleyball court, a children’s playground and a recreation area. It therefore offers several different facilities, from sports areas to a playground. Which ones suit your travel group depends on the activities you would like to prioritise.

Visit Gornja Voća and Donja Voća. For further destination comparisons, you can also explore the Municipality of Maruševec, the Municipality of Novi Marof, the Municipality of Beretinec, the Municipality of Ludbreg, Gornji Kneginec and the Municipality of Lepoglava

What is known about Špilja Vindija?

Fossil analyses show that Neanderthals lived in Špilja Vindija more than 40,000 years ago. The cave is protected as a cultural and natural monument.

How long is the trail over Ravna gora?

The “Planinarski put po Ravnoj gori” is approximately 26 km long and has ten checkpoints. It begins in Donja Voća and passes by Špilja Vindija towards the summit of Ravna gora.

Can the “Virtualna zagorska hiža” be visited?

Yes. Visits are possible by prior arrangement with the Municipality of Donja Voća.

When did the event at Špilja Vindija take place?

The eleventh edition of “Špilja Vindija – naša prošlost i budućnost” took place in front of the cave on 21 June 2025. Traditional local specialities and souvenirs were offered at this edition.

For the overview of the wider area: Varaždin County.