Grădiştea Muncelului-Cioclovina Natural Park, Natural protected area in Șureanu Mountains, Romania.
Grădiştea Muncelului-Cioclovina is a protected natural area in the Southern Carpathians with vast forests, mountain peaks, meadows, and deep valleys spread across its territory. The landscape features more than 400 caves, dramatic canyons, and distinctive karst formations that shape its overall appearance and structure.
The Romanian government designated this territory as a protected natural park in 2000 under Law Number 5. This legal designation created formal guidelines to preserve the area and manage how it is used going forward.
The park contains Sarmizegetusa Regia and other ancient Dacian citadels recognized as part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. These archaeological remains shape how visitors experience the landscape while walking through forested hills and mountain valleys.
Exploring the park's many caves requires specialized guides and proper equipment, with some caves like the Disease Cave having restricted public access. Visitors should prepare for uneven, steep terrain and bring appropriate gear for mountain conditions.
The park contains more than 50 identified sinkholes formed by water dissolving limestone beneath the surface. It is also home to the tallest waterfall in the Șureanu Mountains, a feature that stands out against the surrounding landscape.
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