Poarta lui Ionele cave, Show cave in Gârda de Sus municipality, Romania
Poarta lui Ionele is a show cave in Gârda de Sus accessible through a massive entrance portal measuring 22 meters tall and 10 meters wide. The interior features multiple ascending levels connected by iron staircases that visitors use to explore deeper sections.
First recorded in 1857, the cave attracted scientific exploration in the 1920s when prominent researchers conducted systematic studies. This early attention helped establish it as a place worth visiting.
The cave entrance has become recognizable to Romanian film audiences after appearing in a 1986 production. Its large opening and interior passages have made it a distinctive location for storytelling on screen.
The cave sits near road 750 and is best reached on foot following a path along a side valley. Comfortable footwear and caution are advisable given the natural conditions inside.
Three natural springs within the cave activate in sequence, creating a rare hydrological pattern that visitors can observe. The upper passages receive water flow only during certain seasons.
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