Basarabi-Murfatlar Cave Complex
About Basarabi-Murfatlar Cave Complex
On the south-western edge of the town of Murfatlar (called Basarabi until 2007), in the north-western slope of Tibișir Hill, lies the largest rock-cut place of worship in south-eastern Europe from the early Middle Ages. The site was discovered on 11 June 1957, when a blast to extend the modern chalk quarry opened the entrance to the first small church. The excavations, led by Ion Barnea between 1957 and 1962, uncovered six small churches, cells, galleries, crypts and graves, all cut into the soft chalk.
The complex was dug by the workers of a 10th-century quarry, where chalk blocks were cut for the stone rampart between Murfatlar and Valea Seacă. A Cyrillic inscription beside the entrance to church B1 gives the year 6500 from the creation of the world, that is 992, and a Greek graffito mentions the year 982. The churches were used one after another, for about half a century.
The value of the place lies in its walls: hundreds of crosses, horsemen, horses, birds, sailing ships, labyrinths and "interlaced dragons", alongside runic inscriptions (the most numerous, and still undeciphered), Cyrillic, Greek and Glagolitic ones. They point to a mixed population and a strong Byzantine influence. The complex is a listed historic monument and has been on Romania's UNESCO Tentative List since 1991.
What you can see
From the road you can only see the concrete building raised over the south-western part of the complex, with stepped roofs set against the white chalk face, and the traces of the quarry around it. The interior of the churches, including the largest, B4, about 7 × 3.5 m, with pillars left standing in the chalk and the figure of a haloed saint, is known only from photographs and publications.
Good to know
The site has been closed to visitors for many years and is not included in the visiting schedule of the Museum of National History and Archaeology in Constanța, which manages it. Chalk deteriorates quickly: the walls are flaking, the drawings are fading, and the protective structure covers only about a quarter of the complex and is poorly ventilated. Constanța County Council has prepared a conservation project, but funding for the works has not been secured.
Information verified on 21 October 2026.
- The protective building with stepped roofs, leaning against the white face of the chalk hill.
- The traces of the 10th-century chalk quarry, which supplied the stone for the rampart between Murfatlar and Valea Seacă.
- The inscription "leat 6500" (992) at the entrance to church B1, known from publications.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: from Constanța take the DN3 through Valea lui Traian to Murfatlar, then the DC3 local road towards Tibișir Hill: ~20 km, ~30 minutes. From Bucharest it is ~200 km on the A2 (~2 hours 15 minutes).
Public transport: Murfatlar station is on the Bucharest–Constanța railway line; from the station to the site it is ~1.5 km on foot through the town.
- Where to park
There is no car park for the site; you stop by the side of the access road.
- Rules
Access to the interior of the complex is not permitted. Do not climb the chalk faces or touch the surfaces: the chalk is crumbly and the drawings on it are easily lost.
Frequently asked questions about Basarabi-Murfatlar Cave Complex
- How long does a visit to Basarabi-Murfatlar Cave Complex take?
- A visit to Basarabi-Murfatlar Cave Complex takes about 20 min (exterior only).
- How do I get to Basarabi-Murfatlar Cave Complex?
- Basarabi-Murfatlar Cave Complex is located at DC3, on the north-western slope of Tibișir Hill, on the south-western edge of the town, Murfatlar, Constanța County. By car: from Constanța take the DN3 through Valea lui Traian to Murfatlar, then the DC3 local road towards Tibișir Hill: ~20 km, ~30 minutes. From Bucharest it is ~200 km on the A2 (~2 hours 15 minutes). Public transport: Murfatlar station is on the Bucharest–Constanța railway line; from the station to the site it is ~1.5 km on foot through the town.
- When is the best time to visit Basarabi-Murfatlar Cave Complex?
- The best season for Basarabi-Murfatlar Cave Complex: All year round (can only be seen from outside).
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