Piatra Altarului

Altar Cave


Useful Information

Location: Izbucul Alunului, in the Munṭii Bihorului (Bihor Mountains).
Open: closed to the public
Classification: SpeleologyKarst cave SmileVirtual Caves
Dimension:  
Photography:  
Accessibility:  
Bibliography: WorldPiatra 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.
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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 Worldvirtual 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.