Limanu Cave
About Limanu Cave
Limanu Cave, also known as Caracicula or La Icoane, extends under the limestone plateau at the edge of Limanu village, a few kilometres from Mangalia and the Bulgarian border. Its galleries form a branching labyrinth with no main passage: speleological surveys have mapped about 3.6 km, while other sources speak of nearly 4 km, which makes it the longest cave in Dobruja. Some galleries have an almost rectangular cross-section, a result of the horizontal limestone layers in which they formed, and the cave has no stalactites or stalagmites.
People have used the place for a very long time. Charcoal drawings and incisions, oil lamps and Greek pottery have been found in the galleries, showing that the cave was frequented in Dacian times and in the days of Callatis, with altars cut into the rock. Some researchers link it to the Keiris cave, where, according to ancient historians, the Getae-Dacians sheltered from the Romans; the link has not been proven. The name La Icoane comes from the faces carved in stone that once marked the entrance.
The cave is a nature monument and shelters bats, among them Mehely's horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus mehelyi), one of the three caves in Romania where it lives.
What you can see
At the entrance, the galleries descend among fallen limestone blocks, over a floor of clay and sand. Further on there are low corridors, where you sometimes have to crawl, and higher chambers with smooth, layered walls. Chisel marks can be seen on the walls, and in a few places modern inscriptions left by visitors.
Good to know
The cave is not developed: it has no lighting, marked routes or visiting hours, and access is not officially organised. The custodian of the protected area is the GESS association (the Underwater and Speleological Exploration Group). The metal gate at the entrance was torn out and sold as scrap. Some areas are geologically unstable, and the labyrinth has not been fully surveyed. Exploring it calls for caving equipment and accompaniment by authorised speleologists.
Nearby are the resort of 2 Mai, Vama Veche, the 2 Mai – Vama Veche Marine Reserve and the Mlaștina Hergheliei reserve.
Information verified on 31 October 2026.
- The labyrinth of galleries about 3.6 km long, the longest in Dobruja.
- Galleries with a rectangular cross-section, formed in the horizontal limestone layers.
- Chisel marks, charcoal drawings and altars cut into the rock, evidence that the cave was used in antiquity.
- The bat colonies, including Mehely's horseshoe bat.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: from Constanța, on the road towards Mangalia (DN 39), where a county road branches off to Limanu; ~52 km from Constanța (~1 h), ~8 km from Mangalia (~12 min), ~7 km from 2 Mai (~12 min), ~12 km from Vama Veche (~17 min). The entrance is at the edge of the village, on the plateau.
- Rules
The cave is a protected area, and access to it is not officially organised. It is explored only with caving equipment and authorised speleologists. Do not disturb the bats, light fires or torches, leave litter or write on the walls.
- Facilities
No facilities in the cave · no lighting
Frequently asked questions about Limanu Cave
Can you visit Limanu Cave with kids?
No, Limanu Cave is not recommended for visits with children (undeveloped, low galleries).
How do I get to Limanu Cave?
Limanu Cave is located at at the edge of Limanu village, on the plateau above Lake Mangalia, Limanu, Constanța County. More under “Getting there”
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