Gadimë is considered one of the oldest settlements in present-day Kosovo. Excavations have uncovered cave dwellings with ovens, which have been dated to the early Iron Age, i.e. at least 1000 BC, based on pottery shards. In the 8th century BC, a type of residential building was constructed, and 400 years later, a protective wall and artificially created terraces were built around the residential buildings.
Today, the site consists of two parts, Gadimë e eperme (Upper Gadime) and Gadimë e poshtme (Lower Gadime). In the middle of the latter lies the marble cave – Shpella e mermerit – which is well worth seeing. It was already used as a dwelling during Roman times and was only rediscovered in 1969 when a farmer needed stones to build his house and came across marble blocks. In 1976, this natural phenomenon was opened to the public.
The entire cave is 1,500 metres long and has a constant temperature of 13°C throughout the year. 600 metres of well-developed passages over three floors reveal a fascinating, colourful natural spectacle that has developed drop by drop over 18 million years. During a tour through a maze of stalactites and stalagmites made of marble crystals, visitors learn a lot about the development of the Earth's history, with 1 mm of rock harbouring the secrets of 3,000 years. During this long period, many figures and symbols have formed, and with a little imagination, a small cave even shows the outline of Kosovo. There are also 14 small lakes and 1 ponor (sinkhole).
The entrance to the cave is located behind the large car park and restaurant. Admission is only possible as part of a guided tour, daily from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., approximately every 30 minutes, duration approx. 40 minutes, €2. A jumper, long trousers and sturdy shoes are recommended.