Peștera Muierilor

Muierilor Cave, in the Galben Gorge in northern Oltenia, is one of the most important caves in Romania, both for the beauty of its formations and for its scientific value. Its name comes from the tradition that women and children took refuge here in times of danger while the men went to fight. The cave entered the tourist circuit as early as the 19th century, among the first to be electrified in the country, and its arranged galleries reveal stalactites, stalagmites, limestone drapery and spectacular chambers.

It was also here that the oldest modern human remains in Europe were found, giving it special importance in the study of prehistory. The site lies in beautiful natural surroundings at the foot of the mountains and combines well with the monasteries of the Vâlcea area. Dress warmly — the temperature is low all year — and check the guided-tour schedule, which follows arranged routes.