Runcu: Cheile Sohodolului, Natural and Cultural History

Cheile Sohodolului lies in the northern part of the village of Runcu and combines striking natural formations with numerous specialized climbing routes. Among gorges, rock formations, and traces of history, there are several destinations that can be reached by different routes.

Nature and Rock Formations

The Valea Sohodolului area is considered a floristic reserve with 345 species of vascular plants from 71 families. One of the striking limestone formations is Inelul Doamnei. Wind and changes to the relief over thousands of years have shaped this formation.

A marked trail leads to Inelul Doamnei. At a leisurely walking pace, the route takes approximately one hour. This timeframe remains an estimate, while the markings indicate the specific course of the access route.

Routes and Special Destinations

Cheile Sohodolului can be accessed via DN67D. The road through the gorges can be used by car, bicycle, or on foot. The chosen mode of transport therefore plays a direct role in planning a route; the road and the marked trail to Inelul Doamnei are different access routes to the natural attractions.

Izbucul Jalesului can be reached via the road of the same name, a small wooden footbridge over the Jaleș, and a subsequent trail. The Toaia Dracilor waterfall can be reached from Cheile Sohodolului through the Cheile Gropului cu Apa canyon. There is no trail, so it is preferable to continue along the streambed with a guide. The route and terrain differ significantly at these destinations and should be taken into account before setting out.

The caves in Cheile Sohodolului and Muntele Pleșa are not open to the general public. They can only be visited together with knowledgeable members of caving clubs. For such a visit, accompaniment by these expert club members is therefore an essential part.

History and Culture

The Peștera Popii cave is located at the entrance to Cheile Sohodolului. The cave contains black anthropomorphic rock paintings. In the village center of Runcu, there are also the ruins of a medieval structure dating from the 15th and 16th centuries.

The Maria Apostol Memorial House is also located in the center of Runcu. It displays personal belongings of the folk singer, traditional objects from the Gorj region, and her “Floarea din grădină” trophy. Personal memorabilia, regional traditions, and the historic building thus represent different cultural points of interest in the village center and at the entrance to the gorge.

The archaeological settlement at La Cruce also dates back to different periods. It is attributed to the Bronze Age Coțofeni culture as well as to the Geto-Dacian period of the 3rd to 2nd centuries BC. The two attributions refer to different historical periods of the same archaeological settlement.

Event

The “Sohodol Climb” climbing festival is held annually from September 21 to 23. For a festival-related visit, the current event dates should be checked before traveling.

Other places in Gorj County include Novaci, Rânca, Săcelu, Aninoasa, Țicleni, Aninişu din Deal, Dobriţa, and Târgu Jiu.

For the broader travel overview: Gorj.