Category:Photographs by Anil Öztas/Zadar/Cerovac Caves

The Cerovac Caves (Cerovačke Špilje) are an impressive cave system in the Velebit Mountains, near the town of Gračac in the Croatian county of Zadar. The Cerovačka Špilje complex consists of several interconnected caves. The lower Cerovačka Špilja (Donja Cerovačke Špilje) houses impressive geological formations. It is characterised by its spacious halls, deep passages and small chambers. The upper cave (Gornja Cerovačka Špilja), on the other hand, impresses with its narrower passages and winding passages. The formations in the upper cave are of a different kind and display a unique beauty. The cave system stretches over a length of around 8 kilometres and offers a fascinating underground landscape with stalactites, stalagmites and other calcareous deposits. The total depth of the lower cave is 68 metres, the total height difference 97 metres. In the upper cave, the total depth is 192 metres and the total height difference is 202 metres. Temperatures in the caves remain consistently cool, usually between 5 and 8 °C, regardless of external weather conditions. These cool temperatures help to preserve the stalactite formations and maintain their original splendour.

The cave complex is also known for its rich geological history. In the Cerovac caves there are traces of water having flowed through the caves in the past. This is evident in the form of water-based erosional features such as rounded rock formations, stalactites, stalactite pools and other manifestations. These formations are the result of the interaction of water and limestone over a long period of time. Over thousands of years, the stalactites and rock formations have formed, creating unique and impressive formations. The Cerovac Caves are also known for their rich geological history. Over thousands of years, the stalactites and rock formations have formed in a slow and continuous process, creating unique and impressive formations. The caves are therefore not only a visual wonder, but also of geological and scientific interest, as they provide valuable information about the geological history and processes of cave formation. The protection and conservation of the Cerovac caves are of great importance in order to preserve the unique geological formations and the fragile cave environment.