Crystal Cave from Farcu Mine

The Crystal Cave from Farcu Mine – the bauxite exploitation within the mining area of Rosia de Bihor triggered the discovering of an underground void not connected to the surface, in year 1987. The encountered cave was named the Crystal Cave from Farcu Mine and, since the beginning, the main attraction was its extraordinary beauty. Although quickly closed, the fate of the cave was sealed by the conjunction between the underground void and the main gallery of access to Farcu mine. The access of the miners in the Crystal Cave was severely damaging, as it was soon vandalised. In year 2012, a great initiative made it possible for the Crystal Cave from Farcu Mine to be arranged at European standards and open for the public. This cave was added to an already rich itinerary of tourist caves in Bihor County and became part of the national touristic circuit. General information on the area: Rosia Commune (first documented in 1445) from Bihor County is one of those rural areas which remained unspoiled by the communist collectivization, or by the Austrian-Hungarian systematisation of villages. Rosia is still the type of spread village, which includes hamlets with traditional houses. All of these became premises for developing responsible agro tourism, not yet chaotic.

Mining at Rosia – the bauxite exploitation in Padurea Craiului Mountains was first documented in 1915-1916. This activity knows a real growth in the `40s, due to the founding of Dobresti Mining Enterprise. After 1950, a working point at Rosia was opened. Shortly after the Crystal Cave was found, the entering gallery at Farcu mining point collapsed. Several decolmatations were performed and the activity was resumed for a short period of time. The beautiful cave crystals, untouched by the miners, were saved precisely through the closing of the mine. 22 years after the closing of the mine, fact that generated poverty in Rosia area, seems to bring wealth again. On 20th of June 2012, the Crystal Cave from Farcu Mine, now arranged, was inaugurated and opened for the public. Geological diversity: although only 50% of the entire structure of Padurea Craiului Mountains is made of limestone rocks, these offer a distinctive note to the area. The karstic relief forms found on the exterior, include: karrens, sinkholes, gorges and canyons. All these forms are named exokarst (exterior karst). Based on the information in specialised literature, the underground relief forms, namely the caves, are named endokarst (interior karst). Following the speleological researches in the area of Padurea Craiului Mountains, more than 500 caves were added to inventory. This fact generated the development of speleological tourism and created the base for the management of Crystal Cave. Source and more:http://travelguideromania.com/tourist-caves-crystal-cave-farcu-mine/