Petreștii De Jos – Cheile Turzii, Trails and Historic Sites

Nature and Landscape

Cheile Turzii is a nature reserve of national interest and also a mixed natural reserve in IUCN Category IV, administratively belonging to the municipality of Petreştii de Jos. The gorge was formed by the erosion of Jurassic limestone by the Hășdate River. Around 50–60 caves, rock arches or niches are known in Cheile Turzii; this figure remains an approximation.

The named peak Vârful Ţâcluiul is located in the vicinity of Petreştii de Jos. Dealul Melinilor is a named mountain in the wider regional surroundings of Petreştii de Jos. Dealul Sălaşului is also a named mountain in the wider regional surroundings of Petreştii de Jos. The named spring Izvorul Copăcenilor is located in the immediate surroundings.

The landscape combines different forms of natural space: limestone shapes the gorge, named peaks and mountains mark the wider surroundings, and the spring Izvorul Copăcenilor adds to the geographical reference points in the immediate area. These geographical names range from the valley area to the wider regional surroundings.

Archaeology and Churches

The archaeological site of Crucea Cheii lies on the right bank of the Hășdate Valley, between the municipality of Petreştii de Jos and Cheile Turzii. The archaeological site at the Dealul Alb location is listed in the register of historic monuments of Cluj County. The archaeological site of Petreştii de Jos – Dealul lui Horna includes a settlement and a tumulus necropolis dating from the Bronze Age and the Hallstatt period.

The Petreştii de Jos Tourist Information Centre promotes tourist attractions in the three localities of Petreştii de Jos, Sănduleşti and Ciurila. Biserica Ortodoxă Crăeşti is a named church in the immediate surroundings of Petreştii de Jos. Biserica Sfântul Mihail is a named church in the surroundings of Petreştii de Jos. Biserica Catolică Crăeşti is also a named church in the surroundings of Petreştii de Jos. Biserica Comşeşti is likewise one of the named churches in the surroundings of Petreştii de Jos.

Other Places

Other places: Beliş, Huedin, Poieni, Satu Lung, Floreşti, Muntele Băişorii, Turda, Valea Drăganului

Trails Through the Gorge

The Circuitul Cheilor Turzii circular trail starts and ends at Cabana Cheile Turzii. It offers views from above, from the edges of the limestone walls.

The lower gorge trail through Cheile Turzii runs from Cabana Cheile Turzii to the edge of Petreştii de Jos. It is easy and approximately 3.25 km long; the route takes about one hour. The trail is largely developed, has only minor elevation changes and includes four bridges over the Hășdate Valley.

A yellow bar marking indicates the trail from Turda via Drumul Domnilor and Cheile Turzii to Petreștii de Jos. This trail is 11 km long, takes 3:30–4:30 hours and has a low difficulty level.

For the higher-level travel overview: Cluj-Napoca.