The Women's Cave (Peștera Muierilor) Gorj County: The Sanctuary of History +video and views
Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2026 9:54 am
Located in the wild landscapes of Gorj County, Peștera Muierilor is one of Romania’s most visited and historically significant natural monuments. More than just a cave, it is a subterranean fortress that has sheltered humans for thousands of years.
The Women's Cave (Peștera Muierilor) Legends
1. The Sanctuary of the Brave Women
The Legend: The story behind the name. The Story: In ancient times, when the men were away at war defending the land against invaders (like the Tartars or the Turks), the women, children, and elderly would take refuge in this cave. It was more than a hideout; it was a fortress. Legend says the women were so brave and organized that they managed to survive inside for months, and some stories even say they fought back with rocks and boiling water from the cave's heights. Since then, the cave has been honored with their name.
2. The Miracle of Fertility and Healing
The Legend: The "Woman's Stone" (Piatra Femeii). The Story: There is a specific stalagmite inside shaped like a woman. Folklore says that this formation has mystical healing powers. For centuries, local women who couldn't have children would come here in secret, touch the stone, and drink the "mountain's milk" (water dripping from the ceiling) to be blessed with a child. Străinii iubesc aceste povești despre "Earth Magic."
3. The Giants' Graveyard (The Cave Bear)
The Legend: The monsters of the deep. The Story: Long before humans, the cave was the kingdom of the Cave Bear (Ursus spelaeus), a giant beast that went extinct thousands of years ago. Inside, there is a gallery full of ancient bones. Legend says these were not just bears, but "mountains of fur" that guarded the entrance to the Underworld. Seeing the actual skeletons today gives tourists a real chill!
Location & Geography
The cave is situated in Baia de Fier, Gorj County, carved into the limestone of the Parâng Mountains (Southern Carpathians) by the Galbenul River.
Geologically, the cave system is impressive:
-Length: It stretches over 7,000 meters, though the tourist circuit covers about 800 meters.
-Levels: It is organized into 4 horizontal levels. The lower level is a scientific reserve, while the upper level is fully electrified for visitors.
-First in Romania: It holds the distinction of being the first cave in Romania to be electrified and opened for large-scale tourism (back in 1963).
Highlights for Travelers
-The Altar Gallery: A stunning section where the ceiling is covered in delicate limestone "jewelry" that resembles a religious altar.
-Prehistoric Remains: The cave is a goldmine for archaeology. It famously housed the remains of the Cave Bear (Ursus spelaeus) and, more significantly, a female skull of an early modern human (Homo sapiens) dating back roughly 35,000 years.
-Unique Formations: Look out for the "Gothic Hall," "The Turkish Wife," and "The Chandelier"—formations that have been sculpted by water over millions of years.
-Healing Properties: The air inside the cave is exceptionally pure and ionized, often cited as beneficial for people with respiratory issues like asthma.
A video who present The Women's Cave (Pestera Muierilor):
Traveler Tips
-Physical Activity: The tour involves some bending and narrow passages (like the "Chimney"), so wear comfortable clothing and shoes with good grip.
-The Cross-Through Experience: Unlike many caves where you enter and exit the same way, Peștera Muierilor is a "cross-through" cave—you enter at one side of the mountain and exit at the other.
-Temperature: It maintains a steady 12°C. A light sweater is perfect for the 45-minute walk.
Discovery Category Archeological & Paleontological
Location: Baia de Fier, Gorj
Key Attraction: Cave Bear skeletons
Difficulty: Moderate (some low ceilings)
The Women's Cave (Peștera Muierilor) with her Limestone-formations is in top 10 caves to visit in Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions: Visiting Peștera Muierilor (The Women's Cave)
1. Where is Peștera Muierilor located?
Peștera Muierilor is located in the Baia de Fier commune, Gorj County. It is situated on the southern edge of the Parâng Mountains, carved into the limestone of the Galbenul River Gorges.
2. Why is it called "The Women's Cave"?
The name has two main historical origins:
During ancient wars, when men went to fight, women, children, and the elderly used the cave as a secret refuge.
It was also used by women as a place to spin wool and flax, as the high humidity helped the fibers stay flexible.
3. What can I see inside the cave?
The cave is famous for its spectacular karst formations:
-The Hall of Wonders: Filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
-Cave Bear Skeletons: You can see complete skeletons of the Ursus spelaeus, a massive bear species that went extinct over 24,000 years ago.
-Human Remains: The cave gained international fame when a female skull dating back approximately 35,000 years was discovered here, providing vital clues about early modern humans in Europe.
4. How long does the tour take and do I need a guide?
The tourist circuit is about 800 meters long and takes approximately 45 minutes. Entrance is usually organized in groups at fixed intervals, and a guide is provided to explain the geological and historical significance of each gallery.
5. Is the cave difficult to walk through?
The path is electrified and relatively easy, but there are some low-ceiling sections where you will need to bend down. It is a horizontal cave, so there is no professional climbing involved, but the floor can be slippery due to the 70%–80% humidity.
6. What is the temperature inside?
The temperature remains constant throughout the year at approximately 12$°C. Even if you visit during a hot summer day, make sure to bring a light jacket or a sweatshirt and wear closed-toe shoes with good grip.
7. What are the visiting hours and fees?
High Season (Summer): Usually open daily from 09:00 to 20:00 (last entry at 19:00).Low Season (Winter): Shorter hours, typically until 16:00 or 17:00.Fees: There is a small entrance fee (approx. 20–30 RON [4-6 EUROs]), with discounts for children and students. Photo fees may apply separately.
The Women's Cave (Peștera Muierilor) Gorj County interior view
The Women's Cave (Peștera Muierilor) Legends1. The Sanctuary of the Brave Women
The Legend: The story behind the name. The Story: In ancient times, when the men were away at war defending the land against invaders (like the Tartars or the Turks), the women, children, and elderly would take refuge in this cave. It was more than a hideout; it was a fortress. Legend says the women were so brave and organized that they managed to survive inside for months, and some stories even say they fought back with rocks and boiling water from the cave's heights. Since then, the cave has been honored with their name.
2. The Miracle of Fertility and Healing
The Legend: The "Woman's Stone" (Piatra Femeii). The Story: There is a specific stalagmite inside shaped like a woman. Folklore says that this formation has mystical healing powers. For centuries, local women who couldn't have children would come here in secret, touch the stone, and drink the "mountain's milk" (water dripping from the ceiling) to be blessed with a child. Străinii iubesc aceste povești despre "Earth Magic."
3. The Giants' Graveyard (The Cave Bear)
The Legend: The monsters of the deep. The Story: Long before humans, the cave was the kingdom of the Cave Bear (Ursus spelaeus), a giant beast that went extinct thousands of years ago. Inside, there is a gallery full of ancient bones. Legend says these were not just bears, but "mountains of fur" that guarded the entrance to the Underworld. Seeing the actual skeletons today gives tourists a real chill!
Location & GeographyThe cave is situated in Baia de Fier, Gorj County, carved into the limestone of the Parâng Mountains (Southern Carpathians) by the Galbenul River.
Geologically, the cave system is impressive:
-Length: It stretches over 7,000 meters, though the tourist circuit covers about 800 meters.
-Levels: It is organized into 4 horizontal levels. The lower level is a scientific reserve, while the upper level is fully electrified for visitors.
-First in Romania: It holds the distinction of being the first cave in Romania to be electrified and opened for large-scale tourism (back in 1963).
Highlights for Travelers-The Altar Gallery: A stunning section where the ceiling is covered in delicate limestone "jewelry" that resembles a religious altar.
-Prehistoric Remains: The cave is a goldmine for archaeology. It famously housed the remains of the Cave Bear (Ursus spelaeus) and, more significantly, a female skull of an early modern human (Homo sapiens) dating back roughly 35,000 years.
-Unique Formations: Look out for the "Gothic Hall," "The Turkish Wife," and "The Chandelier"—formations that have been sculpted by water over millions of years.
-Healing Properties: The air inside the cave is exceptionally pure and ionized, often cited as beneficial for people with respiratory issues like asthma.
A video who present The Women's Cave (Pestera Muierilor):
Traveler Tips-Physical Activity: The tour involves some bending and narrow passages (like the "Chimney"), so wear comfortable clothing and shoes with good grip.
-The Cross-Through Experience: Unlike many caves where you enter and exit the same way, Peștera Muierilor is a "cross-through" cave—you enter at one side of the mountain and exit at the other.
-Temperature: It maintains a steady 12°C. A light sweater is perfect for the 45-minute walk.
Discovery Category Archeological & Paleontological
Location: Baia de Fier, Gorj
Key Attraction: Cave Bear skeletons
Difficulty: Moderate (some low ceilings)
The Women's Cave (Peștera Muierilor) with her Limestone-formations is in top 10 caves to visit in Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions: Visiting Peștera Muierilor (The Women's Cave)1. Where is Peștera Muierilor located?
Peștera Muierilor is located in the Baia de Fier commune, Gorj County. It is situated on the southern edge of the Parâng Mountains, carved into the limestone of the Galbenul River Gorges.
2. Why is it called "The Women's Cave"?
The name has two main historical origins:
During ancient wars, when men went to fight, women, children, and the elderly used the cave as a secret refuge.
It was also used by women as a place to spin wool and flax, as the high humidity helped the fibers stay flexible.
3. What can I see inside the cave?
The cave is famous for its spectacular karst formations:
-The Hall of Wonders: Filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
-Cave Bear Skeletons: You can see complete skeletons of the Ursus spelaeus, a massive bear species that went extinct over 24,000 years ago.
-Human Remains: The cave gained international fame when a female skull dating back approximately 35,000 years was discovered here, providing vital clues about early modern humans in Europe.
4. How long does the tour take and do I need a guide?
The tourist circuit is about 800 meters long and takes approximately 45 minutes. Entrance is usually organized in groups at fixed intervals, and a guide is provided to explain the geological and historical significance of each gallery.
5. Is the cave difficult to walk through?
The path is electrified and relatively easy, but there are some low-ceiling sections where you will need to bend down. It is a horizontal cave, so there is no professional climbing involved, but the floor can be slippery due to the 70%–80% humidity.
6. What is the temperature inside?
The temperature remains constant throughout the year at approximately 12$°C. Even if you visit during a hot summer day, make sure to bring a light jacket or a sweatshirt and wear closed-toe shoes with good grip.
7. What are the visiting hours and fees?
High Season (Summer): Usually open daily from 09:00 to 20:00 (last entry at 19:00).Low Season (Winter): Shorter hours, typically until 16:00 or 17:00.Fees: There is a small entrance fee (approx. 20–30 RON [4-6 EUROs]), with discounts for children and students. Photo fees may apply separately.