The Valea Cetății cave is a cave located approximately 3 km from the city of Râșnov, on the Valea Cetății road towards Poiana Brașov, located at 825 m altitude. The cave was discovered about 60 years ago (approx. 1949, when following a hydraulic explosion – due to the accumulated sediments and the very narrow entrance – the entrance to the cave was unclogged, hence the name Fundata cave). The main gallery has a total length of about 958 m.
The cave in Romania that hides a rare phenomenon
Since the beginning of 2011, the Valea Cetății Cave (Fundata) has been partially landscaped and introduced into the tourist circuit. The cave has access places for visitors, but also sidewalks, railings, walkways, protective bars, stairs and a lighting system inside the cave.
Before 2011, entering the cave was difficult, only on the stomach. But with proper equipment, Valea Cetății Cave can be admired in all its splendor.
Read also: The secrets of the cave in Romania where the remains of the oldest man in Europe were discovered
Although some time ago it was vandalized, stalactites and stalagmites of various sizes can still be observed in the “Great Hall”, including one 2 m high.
From the “Great Hall”, with a height of over 20 m and approximately 2500 square meters, secondary galleries of different sizes depart in different directions. The cave walls are generally covered with calcite seeps. The Valea Cetății cave (Fundata) has an extension of 200.6 m and a branching index of 4.77.
The water infiltrations from the cave are numerous and arranged along the entire network of galleries. The amount of water reached here varies depending on the season, but a certain amount of water is also due to the phenomenon of condensation when the air comes into contact with the cave walls.
Read also: The Romanian cave where 70 animal species were discovered. She would be protected by a wizard
The cave on Valea Cetății had, in a first phase, the galleries filled with water, the corrosion widening the spaces, and after the transition to the level of free flow, the erosion also modeled vertically.
Valea Cetății cave was declared a protected natural area of national interest and natural monument, according to Law no. 5 of March 6, 2000 regarding the approval of the Plan for the development of the national territory – Section III – protected areas, published in the Official Gazette of Romania no. 152 of April 12, 2000.
The “House” of the Teutonic Knights
Valea Cetății Cave was discovered in 1949 and became known as a “Protected Natural Area of National and International Interest”. It is a relatively small cave, but with an interesting history and numerous curiosities. One of the fascinating aspects about this cave is that it was used in the past as a shelter for animals and later for humans.
Legend has it that in ancient times, the cave would have been a place of refuge for the Teutonic knights, who would have used it while they were building their fortress. Later, it is believed that the cave was also used by the locals as a shelter during the Ottoman invasions.
Read also: The story of the Romanian who lived 140 years hidden in a cave. It came to the attention of the Security
Valea Cetății cave is also home to a rare natural phenomenon: spherical concretions. These are limestone balls of various sizes, formed over thousands of years by the successive deposition of limestone around a core, like a small stone. These spherical concretions can be found in few places in the world, making the Valea Cetății Cave an even more special destination.
In conclusion, Valea Cetății Cave represents a unique combination of natural beauty, history and geological curiosities. By visiting this cave, you will have the opportunity to enjoy an enchanting landscape, participate in classical music concerts in an impressive natural setting and discover fascinating legends and stories about the past of this natural wonder, according to pešcera-valeacetătății.ro.
Tags: cave Romania hides rare phenomenon Teutonic Knights home
-
