Trascău Area
In the Heart of the Trascău Mountains – Nature, History, Identity and Legends
The sun rises twice
The limestone massif Piatra Secuiului, with its imposing silhouette, dominates the landscape of the village of Rimetea and offers not only a spectacular setting but also a rare and fascinating natural phenomenon.
Formed by two steep ridges separated by a deep ravine, the massif creates the illusion of a double sunrise for the residents in the northern part of the village.
Between May and September — with a more pronounced frequency in July — the sun first rises over the northern ridge, Colții Trascăului, flooding the valley with light. It then disappears for a few moments behind the massif, only to rise again between the ridges, illuminating the village for a second time.
This remarkable optical effect has attracted tourists, photographers, and even media attention, becoming one of the defining symbols of the area.
This double encounter with daylight is not just a visual spectacle, but also a metaphor for renewal and hope, which is why Rimetea is known as “the village where the sun rises twice.”
Piatra Secuiului – a symbol of resilience and legends of the Trascău Mountains
Guarded by history and legend, Piatra Secuiului is one of the most impressive limestone formations in the Trascău Mountains, located between the villages of Rimetea and Colțești. Viewed from the valley, the mountain’s silhouette resembles a “Sleeping Giant,” a name locals proudly use.
According to local legend, during the Tatar invasion of the 13th century, the Szeklers from the area took refuge on this mountain to defend themselves. The story says they built a fortification here known as the Szeklers’ Fortress, a strategic structure with walls and a tower that blocked access to the summit. Historical sources confirm the existence of this fortress, whose ruins were still visible in the 19th century. Today, only fragments remain, echoing the struggle and courage of those who once defended these lands.
The massif consists of two imposing peaks: Colții Trascăului (1,113 m) to the north and Piatra Secuiului (1,129 m) to the south, separated by a deep saddle that enhances the dramatic landscape. Blending striking natural scenery with rich historical significance, Piatra Secuiului remains a powerful symbol of resilience and local identity.
The area around Piatra Secuiului is a true magnet for visitors, offering a unique mix of breathtaking landscapes, authentic local cuisine, and outdoor activities such as hiking on marked trails, sport climbing with over 250 routes, mountain biking (MTB), paragliding, and trail running.
The Architecture of the Villages of Rimetea and Colțești
Living Heritage in a Fairytale Setting – The Architecture of Rimetea and Colțești
The villages of Rimetea and Colțești stand out through a rich anthropic heritage shaped over multiple historical periods. Today, they are proposed for inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list, as remarkable examples of traditional rural communities that have preserved their authenticity. Rimetea represents one of the most cohesive vernacular ensembles in the region, with approximately 201 traditional buildings out of a total of 315 properties, of which 170 are considered of historical or ethnographic value. The architectural style is unique to the area, reflecting the identity and craftsmanship of past centuries. Houses are grouped around a central space (the main square) and arranged in rows that form harmonious ensembles within a spectacular natural setting.
The local architecture, influenced by Hungarian and Szekler culture, is easily recognizable: white façades, green shutters, subtle plaster decorations, and a well-balanced urban layout centered around the main square. Many of these houses date back to the 17th–18th centuries and still preserve the refined and prosperous spirit of their former inhabitants.
Conservation efforts, supported by organizations such as Transylvania Trust, have maintained the architectural and cultural authenticity of the village, turning Rimetea into a living example of rural heritage — a community that honors traditional craftsmanship, values, and aesthetics in a breathtaking natural landscape.
Colțești Fortress – the former guardian of the Trascău Mountains
Perched on a steep rock overlooking the village of Colțești, Trascău Fortress — also known as Colțești Fortress — is one of the most picturesque and historically rich fortifications in the Apuseni Mountains. Built in 1296 by the noble Thoroczkay family, the fortress was designed as a place of defense and refuge, shortly after the devastating Tatar invasion of 1241.
Its strategic location, on an isolated and hard-to-reach cliff, provided a crucial defensive advantage. On the northern tower, which still rises to around 20 meters, the inscription of the founding family can still be seen — a testament to the noble past of the site.
The fortress has had a turbulent history: around 1470, it was confiscated by King Matthias Corvinus and placed under the authority of the Voivode of Transylvania. Four decades later, in 1510, it returned to the Thoroczkay family. However, this did not last long — in 1514, during the peasant uprising led by György Dózsa, the fortress was heavily damaged. Its final major military event took place in 1713, when Austrian troops destroyed it as punishment for the Thoroczkay family’s opposition to Habsburg rule.
Today, fragments of the enclosure walls and two side towers still remain, appearing to rise directly from the rock and blending harmoniously into the landscape.
Access is relatively easy for visitors, with a 20–30 minute hike along a slightly steep but accessible path. Once at the top, the effort is rewarded with a spectacular panorama over the Trascău Valley, the village of Colțești, and the imposing silhouette of Piatra Secuiului — a place where history, nature, and legend come together in an unforgettable landscape.
Plaiului Gorges – the hidden gateway to the wild heart of the Trascău Mountains
Located in the heart of the Trascău Mountains, part of the spectacular Apuseni range, Plaiului Gorges offer an unforgettable experience in the middle of wild and untouched nature. Shaped by the Izvoarele stream over a distance of approximately 1.2 kilometers, these gorges are a true natural gem, dotted with limestone towers, steep cliffs, and jagged rock formations that take your breath away from the very first steps.
The landscape feels like a painting: stone needles, narrow passages, dramatic scree slopes, and winding paths weave between rocky walls, surrounded by forests of oak, hornbeam, pine, and birch. In autumn, the scenery comes alive in shades of copper and deep yellow, while the gentle sound of the stream enhances the profound silence of the place.
For those seeking adventure, there is a trail marked with a red cross, suitable for hikers accustomed to mountain routes. You can choose either a short exploration within the gorges or a longer circuit of over 15 km (approximately 4–5 hours), connecting Izvoarele, Plaiului Gorges, Siloșului Gorges, and Colțești Fortress.
Plaiului Gorges are not just an isolated route, but part of a broader natural ensemble, alongside the Bedeleu karst plateau, Poarta Zmeilor Cave, and Șipote Waterfall, turning the entire area into a true paradise for nature lovers, photographers, and mountain hikers.
Bedeleu Plateau – between sky, rock, and legend
In the heart of the Trascău Mountains, the Bedeleu Plateau unfolds like a world suspended between sky and forest — a spectacular limestone realm that blends the calm of the plateau with the dramatic nature of its steep cliffs. Here, the Bedeleu escarpment drops sharply toward the Arieș Valley, revealing breathtaking panoramic views. Yet the true magic begins as you explore this rugged landscape.
Among its most iconic spots is the Bedeleu Balcony — a wooden panoramic platform perched at the edge of the cliff, offering sweeping views over the valley and the villages below. It is a place where time seems to stand still, inviting quiet contemplation and photography.
A little further on, hidden among the rocks, lies the Poarta Zmeilor Cave — an impressive natural arch formed by limestone erosion and wrapped in local legends. It is said that powerful dragons once lived here, and the imposing shape of the arch seems to echo those stories.
The trails continue toward Șipote Waterfall, a gentle cascade flowing over travertine terraces, adding a poetic touch to the landscape. Easily accessible from Poiana Șipote, the entire area offers a memorable experience for hiking enthusiasts, photographers, and lovers of untamed nature.
Huda lui Papară Cave – the hidden queen of the Trascău Mountains
Located in the heart of the Apuseni Mountains, within the village of Sub Piatră (Sălciua commune, Alba County), Huda lui Papară Cave is one of the most spectacular and enigmatic karst formations in Romania. Part of the natural reserve “Vânătările Ponorului – Huda lui Papară,” the cave impresses not only through its scale, but also through its legends, biodiversity, and the challenges it poses to professional speleologists.
With a length of over 5 kilometers and an entrance portal rising more than 35 meters high, the cave is remarkable both in size and in the wild landscape that surrounds it. Inside, visitors encounter vast galleries, an active underground river, waterfalls, rare karst formations, and the impressive Hall of Wonders — a grand chamber exceeding 100 meters in height. The cave is also home to the largest bat colony in Romania, with over 100,000 individuals during winter, and contains the country’s largest known deposit of guano.
Beyond its geological significance, Huda lui Papară is steeped in legend. It is said that Zalmoxis, the god of the Dacians, once retreated here into sacred underground silence, and that the cave served as a place of initiation and refuge during times of invasion. The name itself comes from old Transylvanian dialect — “hudă” meaning cave or hideout, while “Papară” may refer to a hermit or a mythic figure passed down through time. Archaeological traces from the Paleolithic confirm human presence here tens of thousands of years ago.
While there are marked trails near the entrance, access to the interior is restricted. Entering the cave, especially during wet seasons, is extremely dangerous, as water levels can rise rapidly within minutes. Mountain rescue teams and local speleologists consistently warn about the real risks of unauthorized exploration.
For those who admire it from the outside, Huda lui Papară remains a gateway to a hidden world — one of mystery, untamed nature, and ancient Dacian myths.