Poarta Zmeilor Cave
geological reserve · ≈ 1,150 m altitude
High up, at around 1,150 metres in the north-west of the Trascău, lies the oldest cave in the range. It takes its name from the natural stone bridge at the entrance, Poarta Zmeilor, and is also known as the Cave at Groși.
Local legend says a castle of dragons once stood here. They rarely came down to the village, but now and then one would show up at a dance in human form, partner the prettiest girl, and carry her off at midnight. When the young men of the nearby villages caught on, they set fire to the forests and brought the castle down. Only the gate was left.
The cave runs about a hundred-odd metres and is cut into limestone. The entrance is low and opens into halls and corridors, with stalactites, rimstone pools, and stone draperies. The path up is long and asks for a little patience. Inside, you need your own light.