1st Speleoarchaeological Congress, Nova Kršlja, October 25-27, 2024
The Public Institution Barać Caves, in collaboration with the University of Zagreb’s Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, the University of Zadar’s Department of Archaeology, the Institute of Anthropology in Zagreb, the Archaeological Museum in Zagreb, the Ministry of Culture and Media of the Republic of Croatia, and the Croatian Speleological Federation, is organizing the 1st Speleoarchaeological Congress. This event will be held from October 25-27, 2024, at Speleon – the Center for Underground Heritage, located at Nova Kršlja 47, Rakovica.
The Congress was officially opened by the director of Barać Caves Public Institution, Tihana Oštrina, who emphasized that the motivation behind organizing Croatia’s first Speleoarchaeological Congress is to present the new findings and insights gained through archaeological explorations of speleological sites in Croatia and neighboring countries. She noted that the scope of archaeological research on speleological sites in Croatia has significantly expanded and intensified in recent years.
“…Over the past ten years, the Barać Caves have been systematically explored, yielding remarkably valuable finds that testify to this area’s rich history. This has empowered and motivated us to complete the project in 2023 and open Croatia’s first Center for Underground Heritage – Speleon.
Among the project’s key objectives, in addition to promoting tourism, is fostering collaborative work and experience sharing among institutions, not only within Croatia but also at an international level. We proudly highlight that by organizing such events, we are making substantial strides forward, benefiting both the institution and the local community. We are dedicated to advancing the speleological and archaeological professions and sciences.
I believe the results of our work and knowledge-sharing will have a lasting impact on the future of speleoarchaeology. I thank you for coming, and I look forward to fruitful discussions and collaborations over the coming days. May this congress inspire new ideas and projects that will enrich all of us together…” stated Director Tihana Oštrina.
The congress has gathered numerous participants and speakers from the fields of archaeology and science, including representatives from the University of Zagreb, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences – Department of Archaeology; the University of Zadar – Department of Archaeology; the Institute of Anthropology in Zagreb; the Archaeological Museum in Zagreb; SK Ursus spelaeus; the Archaeological Museum of Istria; Kaštela City Museum; the University of Juraj Dobrila in Pula, Faculty of Humanities – Department of Archaeology; the University of Wyoming, Department of Anthropology; Dubrovnik Museums – Archaeological Museum; the City of Šibenik, Ozalj Heritage Museum, as well as students.
Alongside the Institution’s director, Associate Professor Dr. Nikola Vukosavljević addressed the attendees, expressing gratitude to the Institution for organizing this congress and appreciation to colleague and friend Hrvoje Cvitanović for initiating this gathering. He also voiced a hope to continue this initiative by holding an annual congress. He wished all presenters success and also spoke in English to colleagues from other countries.
In addition to presentations, the program includes a panel discussion and poster presentations. A Book of Abstracts has also been published for the congress, provided to each participant.
Congress participants are invited to visit and tour the Upper Barać Cave and the Speleon – Center for Underground Heritage, with an optional excursion to Plitvice Lakes National Park.
Photos and the event program are provided below.
Photo credits: Hrvoje Cvitanović, Marina Magdić, Irena Tomičić