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Shpella e Pëllumbasit: A Journey into Albania's Prehistoric Past

Discover the wonders of Shpella e Pëllumbasit: a prehistoric cave nestled in the heart of Albania's stunning Dajti National Park.

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Explore Shpella e Pëllumbasit (Pëllumbas Cave), also known as the Black Cave, a karst cave near Pëllumbas village, roughly 25 km southeast of Tirana. Hike through the scenic Skorana Gorge to discover a site inhabited by our ancestors 10,000 years ago, and marvel at its stalactites and stalagmites.

A brief summary to Shpella e Pëllumbasit

  • 7X49+V5V, Pëllumbas, AL

Local tips

  • Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip for the sometimes steep and rocky trail to the cave and for navigating the slippery cave floor.
  • Bring a flashlight or headlamp, as the cave's interior can be quite dark.
  • Carry water and snacks, especially during warmer months, as the hike can be tiring.
  • Consider visiting during the spring or fall to avoid the summer heat and crowds.
  • Hire a local guide at the visitor center in Pëllumbas for a more informative experience and to ensure safety inside the cave.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Pëllumbas village, the cave is accessible via a marked hiking trail. The hike is moderately challenging and takes approximately 30-45 minutes. Follow the signs from the village center towards the mountain. The trail winds through rocky terrain and forested areas before reaching the cave entrance. There are no entrance fees to access the trail.

  • Taxi

    From Tirana, a taxi to Pëllumbas village will cost approximately 1500-2500 Lekë, depending on the taxi company and traffic. The ride takes around 30-45 minutes. From the village center, follow the walking directions to reach the cave. There is no parking fee in the village.

  • Public Transport

    Take a bus from Tirana's Southeastern Bus Station towards Krrabe or Berzhite. The bus may drop you off 4 km from Pëllumbas village. From the village center, follow the walking directions to reach the cave. Bus ticket from Tirana to Berzhite is approximately 80 Lek.

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Discover more about Shpella e Pëllumbasit

Shpella e Pëllumbasit, or Pëllumbas Cave, also known as the Black Cave (Shpella e Zezë), is a captivating natural and archaeological site located near the village of Pëllumbas in Tirana County. Situated within the Dajti National Park, this cave has been recognized by the Ministry of Environment as a natural monument of national and international significance. The cave is one of Albania's largest, stretching 360 meters in length, and is freely accessible. The cave is named after the village of Pëllumbas, which gets its name from the Albanian word for pigeon, “pëllumb,” due to the many pigeons that once inhabited the gorge. Inside the cave, a large passage leads to the Chamber of Bears (Sallë e Ari), named for the numerous cave bear remains discovered there. These remains, along with human remains from the Middle Paleolithic era, highlight the cave's historical importance. Archaeological studies have revealed evidence of fire-making and early tool crafting by prehistoric inhabitants. To reach the cave, visitors can take a bus from Tirana to the village of Pëllumbas and then hike along a well-maintained, marked trail for approximately one hour. The trail winds through the scenic Skorana Gorge, offering stunning views of the Erzeni River. Inside the cave, sturdy shoes are recommended due to the slippery conditions. Guided tours are available from local guides, who can provide helmets and headlamps for exploring the cave's depths.

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