Speleon – Centar podzemne baštine
Visitor centre of the Baraćeve špilje in Rakovica with a permanent exhibition on speleology, geology, archaeology and palaeontology and replicas of Ice Age animals.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Speleon is the visitor centre of the Javna ustanova Baraćeve špilje (public institution). It was created as part of a project to promote the sustainable development of the Značajni krajobraz Baraćeve špilje (protected landscape), co-financed by the European Union. The building has 1,200 m², of which 850 m² are devoted to the permanent exhibition. The entrance is designed as a glass rock face that recalls the opening of a cave entrance.
The exhibition presents the natural and cultural heritage of the area through four themes: speleology, geology, archaeology and palaeontology. On the ground floor are general biological and geomorphological topics, while the basement contains a space with multimedia displays and sensory chambers. A special feature is the atrium with hyperrealistic replicas of Ice Age animals, including lions, rhinoceroses and cave bears; their fossil remains were found in the Gornja Baraćeva špilja (Upper Baraćeva Cave).
The centre is also designed as a place where people who cannot visit the caves themselves can get to know the site. In addition to the exhibition, there is a multifunctional hall, a children’s play room, a café and a souvenir shop.
Highlights
- Atrium with hyperrealistic replicas of Ice Age animals
- Multimedia exhibition on speleology, geology, archaeology and palaeontology
- Sensory chambers in the basement
- Guided tour included in the ticket price
- Free children’s play room and car park
Permanent exhibition
- Stalni postav Speleona – On 850 m², speleology, geology, archaeology and palaeontology of the Baraćeve špilje area are presented with models, replicas, animations and multimedia displays, as well as an atrium with replicas of Ice Age animals.
- Operated by
- Javna ustanova Baraćeve špilje
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €13.50 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €10Students, pensioners, hikers, scouts, speleologists and geologists with a valid card. |
| Children & teens | €8free up to age 3 · Children aged 4 to 18. |
| Seniors | €10With a pensioner’s card or confirmation of pensioner status. |
| Visitors with disabilities | freeFree tour for invalids of the Croatian War of Independence (Homeland War), members of the Association of Families of Fallen Veterans, people with special needs and people with a disability of over 50% with a valid card. |
| Students & apprentices | €10With a valid student card. |
Adults pay €13.50 from January to May and from October to December; from June to September €16. When buying a ticket for one site (Speleon or Baraćeve špilje), you receive a €3 discount on a ticket for the other site, on presentation of the voucher and ticket within three days. Payment by card, cash, bank transfer or pro forma invoice.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The offer is designed for people with disabilities.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 3 |
- Playground / play area
The offer is suitable for all ages; there is a free children’s play room in the centre.
Getting there & parking
By car
Free parking
Free car park next to the centre.
Amenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
The centre has the Speleon café-bar and bistro, and a souvenir shop.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes · approx. 60 min |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The tour with a guide is included in the ticket price and lasts between 45 minutes and one hour. Advance booking is not required for individual visitors, families and groups of up to 15 people. Pets are not allowed inside. |
