Krupaj Spring and Rajko's Cave - Buried Treasure and Water Spirits
It’s time for a spooky trip to discover some water spirits and buried treasure!
We’re going to Eastern Serbia, the foothills of Beljanica in the Homolje Mountains, Krupaj Spring. Legend says there is a cave known as the Golden Cave where treasure is kept. The spirit Tartor protects this treasure. He’s a water spirit that also goes by the names Old Man or Albatrn. The cave is supposedly accessible each year on Devil’s Day when the spirits drum and party welcoming local Vlach women who want power.
The women would enter the river at night and meet with Tartor. He would grant them power in exchange for another life – a beautiful young woman must be given to him as a prize.
Where is this cave exactly?
There is a beautiful oasis with clear blue and green water and vines that dance across the rippling springs. At the edge of the springs sits a half-hidden cave that leads to a maze of underwater canals. Divers have explored this complicated system many times, mapping out the cave system below the mountain.
They have determined the last spot available for exploration is a place they call the “canal”, a dark abyss that seems to be endless. There is also a partially flooded room underground that has tunnels leading to the surface. Could this be where the legendary spirits would lead the Vlach women?
There is also a cave system known as Rajko’s Cave in Djerdap National Park, also in the foothills of the Homolje Mountains. This cave system has a complex system of tunnels, halls, and chambers. It’s a beautiful site to see starting with the Hedgehog Chamber, named for the white stalactites that hang from the ceiling. Other known chambers are the Giant Organ, Red Waterfall, and the Crystal Chamber.
Legend has it that Duke Rajko was a Serbian outcast who was part of a freedom-fighting group. This group stole taxes and gold from the Serbian people and would hide them in this cave system. Hence the system was named after him. Could this be the same cave legend? Could the treasure have gone downstream leading to two different spots for buried treasure?
I’m not sure, but you should definitely go check it out – and maybe bring a little thank you gift for the spirits….just in case…
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