The surroundings of Turda City combine spectacular natural sceneries, the magic of the underground galleries and the picturesque atmosphere of the Transylvanian villages. The grandiose gorges of Turda, accompanied by the melodious murmur of Hăşdate River reveal threatening rocks over which noisy gushes of water roll over, glades and smooth hills. After some outdoor hikes, Turda Saline offers genuine moments of relaxation, in a mysterious and surprising setting. These unique places, with their specific charm, are ideal destinations for relaxation and new discoveries.

 

Turda Gorge

Six kilometers from Turda, in the north of the Trascău Mountains, Turda Gorge reveals its beauty of rare wilderness. Even from the days of the Dacians, Hăşdate River made way through the rocks, giving birth to a surprising karst landscape, with stunning vertical walls, pointed crests, pathways dug in stone and numerous caves. Only two caves can be visited: Balica’s Cave, situated at the entrance in the gorges from PetreÅŸtii de Jos and Călăştur Cave, situated on SănduleÅŸtilor Hill. It is said that the outlaws who fought against the rule used to hide in these caves.

Along the gorges, the trail narrows more and more, the rocky walls get closer and closer to one another and the sunrays barely pierce through the stone shield. Crossing the four bridges over the Hăşdate you will discover smooth hills and bright meadows, rich forests, springs flowing over the rocks dressed in the green of the moss. Near Corneşti village there is Ciucaş Cascade, a tempestuous fall of water located in an extremely comforting natural setting, propitious for a few moments of relaxation. Thrill-seekers find places to charge themselves with adrenaline in Turda Gorge. One of them is Piatra Tăiată (The Cut Stone), a location preferred by climbers because of its abrupt vertical walls. There are approximately 250 climbing tracks here.

Turda Gorge is a natural reservation part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, housing over 1,000 plant and animal species, some of them very rare – the wild garlic, the service tree, the iris, the golden eagle. Nearby, in the northern part, there lie the Tureni Gorges, smaller, but equally majestic. The fairytale scenery in the karst canyon reveals caves, cascades and the rich flora and fauna of the area, with the iris, the wild thyme, the Japanese meadowsweet, the hawk. The reservation is considered a protected area of national interest and an archeological park, as traces of inhabitance from the Neolithic period were discovered here.

 

 

Turda Salt Mine

Like the neighboring Transylvanian cities, Turda is known for the exploitation of salt deposits. Starting with the period of Roman Dacia, the saline had an essential role in developing the settlement called Potaissa. Even if the salt pit at Turda had become the most important in Transylvania, it was closed after the Second World War, when salt extraction became a state monopoly. Then, the salt mine was reopened to house the inhabitants during armed conflicts. From 1991, at Turda you can visit a real saline-museum, with a special historical value. You can see mining tools displayed in a modern space, where you can spend a few relaxing hours, taking advantage of the salty air.

The futuristic design of the entrance in the saline makes you think of a spaceship with which the visitor lands on another planet. But the first steps along the gallery with salt walls carry you to an enigmatic and attractive underground world. Step by step, you will discover Iosif Mine, with a special acoustic effect which prolongs the echo and Ghizela Mine, a genuine salt crystals room. Rudolf Mine is surprising; you reach it by descending with the panoramic elevator, an occasion to see the depths of the saline, enchantingly lit. You will also identify the recreation area, where you can have fun with your friends: the football and the mini golf fields, the bowling course, billiard and tennis tables or the Big Wheel, a carousel which offers a unique view and the opportunity to see the stalactites. Descending in Terezia Mine, you will find the underground lake, where you can go on a quiet boar ride.

Turda Saline is a classic mining space dedicated to spending free time activities, a suitable place for both children and adults. Furthermore, one shouldn’t forget the health benefits that you can enjoy at the treatment base in Mine Ghizela.

 

 

 

If you like relaxing holidays, sprinkled with long walks in nature and fun family games, Turda Gorge and Saline are perfect places for you. You will love the impressive sceneries of the defile and the salty air in the galleries, and you will meet amiable people, happy to greet you.

[An article written by Andreea Bertea]