Mada: Peștera Zidită, Cheile Mada and hiking trail 30MN15

Peștera Zidită is a cave fortified in the late Middle Ages. Approximately half of the original length of its fortification wall has been preserved. The wall consists of local stone bonded with mortar and features an entrance opening as well as several loopholes. For a visit to a fortified cave, current opening hours and local information can be checked before the trip.

Other places at the same level are Ciulpăz, Bretea Streiului, Hunedoara and Densuş.

Nature and landscape

Cheile Mada has been a mixed nature reserve in management category IV since 1979 and covers an area of 10 ha. Cheile Madei extends over 2.4 km and gives the landscape the form of an elongated gorge. At a nature reserve, current visiting hours and applicable information should be checked before the excursion.

The ridge of Vârful Dosu lies at 684 m and offers a viewpoint over the Metaliferi Mountains. For an excursion to a viewpoint, current weather information can be checked before setting out.

Hiking and climbing

Hiking trail 30MN15 connects Balșa and Mada through Cheile Madei. The route is 3.5 km long and takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. For hikes, the route length and approximate duration provide the basis for planning the timing. Before setting out, current route conditions and possible changes to the route should be checked.

In addition to hiking, there are several climbing routes of moderate difficulty in the Mada area on partially equipped limestone walls. The climbing routes are located on limestone walls; equipment is available in some places. For climbing routes, the moderate difficulty, the condition of the limestone walls, and the partially available equipment should be taken into account before starting. Current information on route conditions and equipment can be checked before the trip.

Geographical setting

Access to Cheile Măzii from the direction of Geoagiu Băi leads via Balșa. From there, a narrow dirt track in the direction of Mada branches off from the paved road. For the approach via a narrow dirt track, current road conditions should be checked before the trip. When using transport connections, current transport and road information can be checked before setting out.

In the wider regional surroundings of Mada lies Vârful Fericelii, a mountain. Dealul Uroiului is a hill in the wider regional surroundings of Mada. Dealul Archiei is also located in this wider regional area and is likewise a hill. Thus, alongside the gorge and the viewpoint, named mountains and hills are also part of the regional landscape.

Tradition

The traditional communal mowing and haymaking work “clacă la coasă și la fân” was revived in Gura Oandului. Gura Oandului is a hamlet that has since been incorporated into the village of Mada.

To the higher-level travel overview: Hunedoara.