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Cetina River Spring
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Landmark
The source of the Cetina River, often called the 'Eye of the Earth,' is a remarkable hydrological monument located at the foot of the Dinara Mountains. The primary spring, Glavaš, is a deep blue karst lake that divers have explored to depths exceeding 155 meters, though its true bottom remains unknown. The water emerges from a complex underground cave system to begin the 101-kilometer journey of the Cetina River, which eventually flows into the Adriatic Sea at Omiš. Near the spring stands the Church of the Holy Savior, dating back to the 9th century, representing one of the oldest pre-Romanesque monuments in Croatia. The water temperature is consistently cold, staying around 7 to 8 degrees Celsius throughout the year. The surrounding landscape is characterized by rugged limestone terrain and significant ecological biodiversity.
- Location: Croatia
- Top sights: Cetina spring · Izvor Cetine · Crkva Vaznesenja Gospodnjeg
- Nearby: Vinalić (5 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 1 | 2 | 6 | 10 | 15 | 19 | 22 | 22 | 17 | 12 | 8 | 3 |
| Rain mm | 91 | 86 | 74 | 70 | 69 | 59 | 39 | 52 | 95 | 94 | 125 | 110 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Cetina River Spring, also called the 'Eye of the Earth', is freely accessible at all times. The deep blue karst hole lies directly along the hiking trail and can be viewed from a lookout platform.
Typical hours
There are no opening hours as it is a natural open-air site. However, visibility is best in sunlight, so a morning visit is recommended.
Photography
Photography is unrestricted, with overhead shots particularly rewarding. A telephoto lens helps capture the intense blue colour of the spring.
Time needed
Allow about 20-30 minutes to admire the spring and take photos. Those wanting to explore the full hiking trail along the Cetina should plan 1-2 hours.
Combine with
Combine the visit with a hike through the Cetina Gorge all the way to Radman Mills. The town of Sinj with its famous Alka knight tournament is also nearby.
Getting there
The spring is reachable by car via the D60 road - a small car park is nearby. From Split it's about a one-hour drive northeast towards Sinj.
Insider tip
Visit the spring early in the morning to avoid crowds and make use of clear light. A drone can capture spectacular aerial shots of the deep blue crater.
Geography
Facts
- The Glavaš spring has been explored by divers to a depth of over 155 meters.
- The Cetina River flows for exactly 101 kilometers before reaching the sea.
- The spring water maintains a constant temperature between 7 and 8 degrees Celsius.
- The nearby Church of the Holy Savior dates back to the 9th-century Pre-Romanesque period.
- The elevation of the spring source is approximately 385 meters above sea level.
- The river basin of the Cetina covers an area of roughly 4,140 square kilometers.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Cetina River Spring (6)
Pločasti most
Stone bridge over the Cetina River, known for its flat slabs.
Vukovića vrilo
Karst spring near the Cetina spring, a popular excursion spot.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the 'Eye of the Earth'?
It is the popular name for the Cetina spring (Glavaš) due to its blue color and shape.
How deep is the Cetina spring?
Divers have reached depths of over 150 meters, but the bottom has not yet been found.
Can you swim in the spring?
Swimming is allowed, but the water is extremely cold at about 7-9 degrees.
How do you reach the spring?
It is located near the village of Cetina, about 7 km north of Vrlika.
Is there an entrance fee for the spring?
No, access to the Cetina spring is free and possible at any time.
Cetina River Spring: where is it located?
Cetina River Spring is located in Croatia.
Cetina River Spring: what is there to see?
Highlights include Cetina spring, Izvor Cetine, Crkva Vaznesenja Gospodnjeg.
Cetina River Spring: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Cetina River Spring: why is it worth visiting?
The source of the Cetina River, often called the 'Eye of the Earth,' is a remarkable hydrological monument located at the foot of the Dinara Mountains.
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