The Cave with Bones (Peștera cu Oase) Caraș-Severin County: The Cradle of Europe +video and views
Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2026 12:11 pm
Deep in the Anina Mountains of southwestern Romania lies Peștera cu Oase, a site of immense scientific importance. This is the place where humanity’s history in Europe was rewritten, revealing the face of the first "modern" Europeans.
The Cave with Bones: The Cradle of Europe
1. "Ion from Anina" – Our Oldest Ancestor
The Legend & Science: In 2002, three Romanian cavers discovered a human jawbone in a previously unknown chamber.The Story: Radiocarbon dating revealed that the owner of the jaw, nicknamed "Ion", lived about 40,000 years ago. He is one of the oldest Homo sapiens ever found in Europe. But here is the "twist" that fascinates the whole world: DNA analysis showed that Ion had a Neanderthal ancestor just 4 to 6 generations back! For our readers, this is the literal proof that different human species met and lived together right here, in the mountains of Romania.
2. The Labyrinth of the Drowned
The Legend: A place accessible only to the chosen ones. The Story: The cave is famous because it is extremely difficult to access. To reach the chamber where "Ion" was found, explorers had to dive through underground rivers and squeeze through tiny, flooded galleries. Locals say that the cave "chooses" who it wants to let in. For centuries, people spoke of "hidden rooms of the ancestors" beneath the Banat mountains, but it took modern technology and incredible courage to find them.
3. The Banquet of the Predators
The Legend: The Bone Chamber. The Story: Along with human remains, the cave was filled with thousands of bones from the Cave Bear (Ursus spelaeus). It wasn't a home for humans, but rather a place where animals died or were brought by predators. The legend says the cave acts as a "storage of time," where the earth decided to preserve the history of life so it wouldn't be forgotten.
Location & Geography
The cave is situated in Caraș-Severin County, on the Miniș Valley, near the town of Anina.
-Formation: It is a system of 12 karst galleries covering about half a hectare.
-The Discovery: Discovered in 2002 by three Romanian cave divers, the cave became an overnight sensation when they found a human jawbone (Oase 1).
-A Paleontology Goldmine: Before humans, the cave was a hibernation site for the Cave Bear (Ursus spelaeus), and thousands of animal bones were found scattered across its floors.
A video from inside The Cave with Bones (Pestera cu Oase) Caraș-Severin County :
Why is it World-Famous?
-"Ion din Anina" (John of Anina): Scientists discovered the remains of an early modern human (Homo sapiens) dating back roughly 37,000 to 42,000 years.
-The Neanderthal Link: In 2015, DNA analysis of "Oase 1" revealed that he had a Neanderthal ancestor only 4 to 6 generations back (about 6-9% of his genome), proving that modern humans and Neanderthals interbred in Europe.
-The Oldest European: For a long time, these remains were considered the oldest Homo sapiens fossils ever found on the European continent.
Important Information for Tourists
Strictly Scientific Access: Unlike other caves, Pestera cu Oase is not open to the general public. To protect the fragile archaeological site and due to the difficult, often flooded access through underground siphons, only certified researchers are allowed inside.
However, the area around Anina is a tourist paradise!
Top Attractions Near Anina
Since you cannot enter the cave, here is what you can explore nearby:
-Oravița-Anina Railway: Known as the "Semmering of the Banat," it is the oldest mountain railway in Romania. The train ride offers spectacular views through 14 tunnels and over 10 viaducts.
-Bigăr Waterfall (see more): Once voted the most unique waterfall in the world, it is located just a short drive away on the DN57B road.
-Cheile Nerei-Beușnița National Park: Home to the mesmerizing Eye of the Bey (Ochiul Beiului) blue lake and the Beușnița waterfalls (see more).
-The Steierdorf District: Explore the charming German heritage architecture in the old mining colony of Anina.
Fast Facts
Location: Anina, Caraș-Severin
Scientific Name: Oase 1, Oase 2 (Fossils)
Age of Remains: ~40,000 years old
Status: Protected Scientific Reserve
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - The Cave with Bones (Pestera cu Oase)
1. Can I visit Peștera cu Oase in Romania? No, Peștera cu Oase is not open to the general public. It is a strictly protected scientific reserve. Access is restricted to specialized archaeological teams and cave divers due to the fragile nature of the site and the difficult underground terrain.
2. Why is Peștera cu Oase world-famous? The cave is famous for the discovery of the oldest modern human remains in Europe (dating back ~40,000 years). It provided the first DNA evidence that modern humans (Homo sapiens) and Neanderthals interbred on the European continent.
3. Who is "Ion din Anina"? "Ion din Anina" (John of Anina) is the nickname given to the Oase 1 fossil, a human mandible found in the cave. Scientific analysis revealed that "Ion" had a Neanderthal ancestor only 4 to 6 generations back in his family tree.
4. Where is Peștera cu Oase located? The cave is located in the Anina Mountains, near the town of Anina, in Caraș-Severin County, southwestern Romania. It sits within the scenic Miniș Valley.
5. What can tourists visit near the Cave with Bones? While the cave is closed, visitors can enjoy the Oravița-Anina Mountain Railway (the oldest in Romania), the famous Bigăr Waterfall, and the stunning Cheile Nerei-Beușnița National Park, all located in the same region.
Where can i see the fossils?
Answer: The "Emil Racoviță" Institute of Speology (see more) is the world's first institution dedicated to the study of caves. For travelers and science enthusiasts, it offers a fascinating look into the underground world:
The Fossils of the "Oldest European": While the original remains from Peștera cu Oase are kept for research, the institute provides extensive documentation, 3D reconstructions, and replicas of the Oase 1 mandible and Oase 2 skull.
Cave Bear Collections: You can see impressive skeletal remains of the extinct Cave Bear (Ursus spelaeus), which were much larger than today's grizzly bears.
Biospeology Exhibits: Since Emil Racoviță was the founder of biospeology, the museum displays unique collections of "troglobites"—strange, blind, and translucent creatures that have evolved to live in total darkness.
The Explorer’s Legacy: In the Cluj-Napoca museum branch, you can see the personal belongings of Emil Racoviță, including original equipment from the famous Belgica expedition to Antarctica (1897-1899).
Mineral and Crystal Displays: A variety of rare cave formations (speleothems) like helictites, cave pearls, and gypsum flowers are exhibited to explain the geological history of the Carpathian Mountains.
The Cave with Bones (Peștera cu Oase), Caraș-Severin County, interior view
The Cave with Bones: The Cradle of Europe1. "Ion from Anina" – Our Oldest Ancestor
The Legend & Science: In 2002, three Romanian cavers discovered a human jawbone in a previously unknown chamber.The Story: Radiocarbon dating revealed that the owner of the jaw, nicknamed "Ion", lived about 40,000 years ago. He is one of the oldest Homo sapiens ever found in Europe. But here is the "twist" that fascinates the whole world: DNA analysis showed that Ion had a Neanderthal ancestor just 4 to 6 generations back! For our readers, this is the literal proof that different human species met and lived together right here, in the mountains of Romania.
2. The Labyrinth of the Drowned
The Legend: A place accessible only to the chosen ones. The Story: The cave is famous because it is extremely difficult to access. To reach the chamber where "Ion" was found, explorers had to dive through underground rivers and squeeze through tiny, flooded galleries. Locals say that the cave "chooses" who it wants to let in. For centuries, people spoke of "hidden rooms of the ancestors" beneath the Banat mountains, but it took modern technology and incredible courage to find them.
3. The Banquet of the Predators
The Legend: The Bone Chamber. The Story: Along with human remains, the cave was filled with thousands of bones from the Cave Bear (Ursus spelaeus). It wasn't a home for humans, but rather a place where animals died or were brought by predators. The legend says the cave acts as a "storage of time," where the earth decided to preserve the history of life so it wouldn't be forgotten.
Location & GeographyThe cave is situated in Caraș-Severin County, on the Miniș Valley, near the town of Anina.
-Formation: It is a system of 12 karst galleries covering about half a hectare.
-The Discovery: Discovered in 2002 by three Romanian cave divers, the cave became an overnight sensation when they found a human jawbone (Oase 1).
-A Paleontology Goldmine: Before humans, the cave was a hibernation site for the Cave Bear (Ursus spelaeus), and thousands of animal bones were found scattered across its floors.
A video from inside The Cave with Bones (Pestera cu Oase) Caraș-Severin County :
Why is it World-Famous?-"Ion din Anina" (John of Anina): Scientists discovered the remains of an early modern human (Homo sapiens) dating back roughly 37,000 to 42,000 years.
-The Neanderthal Link: In 2015, DNA analysis of "Oase 1" revealed that he had a Neanderthal ancestor only 4 to 6 generations back (about 6-9% of his genome), proving that modern humans and Neanderthals interbred in Europe.
-The Oldest European: For a long time, these remains were considered the oldest Homo sapiens fossils ever found on the European continent.
Important Information for TouristsStrictly Scientific Access: Unlike other caves, Pestera cu Oase is not open to the general public. To protect the fragile archaeological site and due to the difficult, often flooded access through underground siphons, only certified researchers are allowed inside.
However, the area around Anina is a tourist paradise!
Top Attractions Near AninaSince you cannot enter the cave, here is what you can explore nearby:
-Oravița-Anina Railway: Known as the "Semmering of the Banat," it is the oldest mountain railway in Romania. The train ride offers spectacular views through 14 tunnels and over 10 viaducts.
-Bigăr Waterfall (see more): Once voted the most unique waterfall in the world, it is located just a short drive away on the DN57B road.
-Cheile Nerei-Beușnița National Park: Home to the mesmerizing Eye of the Bey (Ochiul Beiului) blue lake and the Beușnița waterfalls (see more).
-The Steierdorf District: Explore the charming German heritage architecture in the old mining colony of Anina.
Fast FactsLocation: Anina, Caraș-Severin
Scientific Name: Oase 1, Oase 2 (Fossils)
Age of Remains: ~40,000 years old
Status: Protected Scientific Reserve
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - The Cave with Bones (Pestera cu Oase)1. Can I visit Peștera cu Oase in Romania? No, Peștera cu Oase is not open to the general public. It is a strictly protected scientific reserve. Access is restricted to specialized archaeological teams and cave divers due to the fragile nature of the site and the difficult underground terrain.
2. Why is Peștera cu Oase world-famous? The cave is famous for the discovery of the oldest modern human remains in Europe (dating back ~40,000 years). It provided the first DNA evidence that modern humans (Homo sapiens) and Neanderthals interbred on the European continent.
3. Who is "Ion din Anina"? "Ion din Anina" (John of Anina) is the nickname given to the Oase 1 fossil, a human mandible found in the cave. Scientific analysis revealed that "Ion" had a Neanderthal ancestor only 4 to 6 generations back in his family tree.
4. Where is Peștera cu Oase located? The cave is located in the Anina Mountains, near the town of Anina, in Caraș-Severin County, southwestern Romania. It sits within the scenic Miniș Valley.
5. What can tourists visit near the Cave with Bones? While the cave is closed, visitors can enjoy the Oravița-Anina Mountain Railway (the oldest in Romania), the famous Bigăr Waterfall, and the stunning Cheile Nerei-Beușnița National Park, all located in the same region.
Where can i see the fossils?
Answer: The "Emil Racoviță" Institute of Speology (see more) is the world's first institution dedicated to the study of caves. For travelers and science enthusiasts, it offers a fascinating look into the underground world:
The Fossils of the "Oldest European": While the original remains from Peștera cu Oase are kept for research, the institute provides extensive documentation, 3D reconstructions, and replicas of the Oase 1 mandible and Oase 2 skull.
Cave Bear Collections: You can see impressive skeletal remains of the extinct Cave Bear (Ursus spelaeus), which were much larger than today's grizzly bears.
Biospeology Exhibits: Since Emil Racoviță was the founder of biospeology, the museum displays unique collections of "troglobites"—strange, blind, and translucent creatures that have evolved to live in total darkness.
The Explorer’s Legacy: In the Cluj-Napoca museum branch, you can see the personal belongings of Emil Racoviță, including original equipment from the famous Belgica expedition to Antarctica (1897-1899).
Mineral and Crystal Displays: A variety of rare cave formations (speleothems) like helictites, cave pearls, and gypsum flowers are exhibited to explain the geological history of the Carpathian Mountains.