Piatra Altarului

Altar Cave

Useful Information

Location:	Izbucul Alunului, in the Munṭii Bihorului (Bihor Mountains).
Open:	closed to the public
Classification:	Karst Cave Virtual Caves
Dimension:
Photography:
Accessibility:
Bibliography:	Piatra Altarului: The Album
Address:	Mihai Gligan, Calea Floresti 81, ap. 261, 3400 Cluj Napoca, Tel. +40-64-178629 Mihai Botez, Piata 14 Iulie 4, 3400 Cluj Napoca, Tel./fax +40-64-187657.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

Spring 1984

discovered.

Description

Piatra Altarului (Altar Cave) is probably the most beautiful cave of Romania, and one of the most beautiful caves of the world. The entrance was known for a long time, but in 1984 a narrow lead was followed for the first time, which lead to an enormous cave. Until today the cave has to be entered through this narrow passage, and thus a visit is only possible for skinny people.

One part of Piatra Altarului is very well decorated with extraordinary speleothems. They are not only beautiful, they are also very fragile, thus the cave is protected very seriously.

The discoverers and explorers of the Romanian Speleological Federation decided that Piatra Altarului will never become a show cave with lighted and paved walkways. The only way to visit this cave is a World virtual tour on the internet and a book with fantastic pictures. This book was part of the campaign to promote the Cave and Karst Protection Law to the Romanian Parliament. It contains 57 magnificent pictures by Cristian Lascu, one of the best Romanian cave photographers.