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Photo: Southern News / Aleksandar Veljković
For a total of 464 days, Milutin Veljković was bricked up in Samar’s cave in Kopajkošara’s Svrljig village, setting a Guinness record for a man’s stay underground. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of its premiere, the jubilee of that feat was marked in front of the cave of Samar with a rich program.
As part of the jubilee, visitors were able to see Sonja kiekić’s documentary “Speleonaut / Under the Stone” about her fifteen-month solitude in the Samar cave, but they were also able to visit the Ethno Museum “Kopajkošara” where, in addition to traditional tools, objects and other museum heritage, there is also an exhibition dedicated to Milutin Veljković and his endeavor.
During the day, on limited tours of one hour each, those interested could also visit Milutin’s place of residence in the cave itself, with the help of experienced guides.
From an unknown cave to a Guinness world record, and back
The cave itself, the village, but also the then-young caver Milutin Veljković, were celebrated everywhere for an effort in the early 1970s, and even attracted the attention of the world public.
In June 1969, Milutin, then 34 years old, carrying out a scientific experiment, was continuously bricked up in a cave, I remained in it a total of 464 days, breaking the world record for staying underground, which until then, with 109 days , was held by the French Henri Fiout. .
He succeeded in his effort by maintaining a radio connection with the village, eating from cans and biscuits and with the help of the generator he had in the cave. Most of the locals still remember Milutin coming out of the cave where several thousand people were waiting for him.
Milutin also published a book about his stay in the cave of Samar, based on a diary he kept during his loneliness, which relives everyday affairs (making coffee, collecting fauna from the cave …), but also dramatic events such as taking his own tooth, longing for woman, fighting floods and hallucinations and other things.
Not much is known about this cave and the Jezava cave system, despite its ancient world fame, today except among spelunkers and adventurers.
Samar cave
The finds are in the unspoiled nature near Svrljig, on the slopes of Kalafat Mountain near the village of Kopajkošara, which is surrounded by forested hills behind which the top of Ozren can be seen.
The cave was formed by the Kopajska River and is more than 3 kilometers long. The chasm leads to one end of the cave, above the entrance of which is a unique, overgrown karst form – a natural stone bridge. Its arch rises above the exit of the cave at a height of 15 meters and a width of 25 meters.
The main channel of the cave is tunnel-like and looks like a canyon in places, and abounds with whirlpools and waterfalls, so visiting the cave alone is not recommended because of the many water hazards and labyrinths.
The sinkhole exits at the other end of the cave, creating a waterfall about 5 meters high.
So far, the skull of a cave lion, as well as the remains of a cave bear and a Kabaloid horse, have been found in this cave. With other caves in the area, it forms a unique cave system.
Since 1955, the Samar cave system has been protected by a Decision of the Institute for the Protection of Nature.
(Kurir.rs/Južne vesti, A. Kostić)
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