Tito’s Cave

Tito's Cave (Titova špilja) is a modest rock cavern above the town of Komiža on the island of Vis that served, in the summer of 1944, as the wartime headquarters of Josip Broz Tito and the command of the Yugoslav Partisan resistance. Tucked below Hum, the island's highest peak, it's now one of the most visited historical sites on Vis.

Why did Tito end up here?

In May 1944 the Germans launched an airborne raid on the Partisan headquarters at Drvar, aiming to capture or kill Tito and the entire Yugoslav leadership. Tito narrowly escaped. Looking for a safer base, he moved to Vis — an island held by the Partisans and reinforced by British forces, including the 2nd Commando Brigade. While the rest of the Croatian coast remained under German control, Vis became the main Partisan naval base and a liaison point with the Allies stationed in southern Italy. From June to October 1944, Tito ran diplomatic contacts with the Allies and directed operations to liberate the Croatian coast and islands from this cave.

What's inside?

The cave is made up of two connected chambers cut into the rock, linked by stone steps, with parts of the interior reinforced by traditional dry-stone walling. One chamber functioned as an office, fitted with a desk, chair and a field telephone that Tito used to stay in contact with commanders and Allied liaisons. The other served as sleeping quarters. The interior is empty today — none of the original furnishings survive — but the layout and the sheer inaccessibility of the spot still convey what wartime command from hiding actually looked like. The cave's older name, Duhova špilja (Cave of the Holy Spirit), comes from the nearby peak of Sveti Duh (Hum).

How do you get there?

A steep, winding road climbs the hillside above Komiža and gets you close to the entrance by car or scooter. The final stretch is a stone staircase of roughly 200 steps, so sturdy shoes are a must. Several local agencies run guided tours that combine the cave with other WWII sites on the island, including the military tunnels and the missile base at Stupišće point.

When's the best time to visit?

Early morning or late afternoon works best, when the heat is milder and the climb more manageable. Spring and early autumn are the most comfortable seasons — in summer the route offers little shade and can get quite hot.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the cave free? Visiting the cave itself is free, but guided tours combining it with other military sites on the island are paid.

Is the walk difficult for children or older visitors? The climb involves around 200 stone steps and a steep approach road, so it's worth allowing extra time for rest stops and bringing water.

Are there any original items left from Tito's time there? No — the interior is empty today. The historical value lies in the layout of the rooms and the events of 1944, not in artefacts.

What else is worth seeing nearby? Nearby you'll find Partisan-era tunnels and a missile base at Stupišće point — both are often included in the same tour as the cave.