Crăpătura Zorilor (the "Dawn Rift") is an impressive mine working, believed to date from the 16th century, on Dealul Minei, on the left slope of the Borcut Valley. This surface working takes the form of a canyon about 4 m wide on average. Galleries open from its northern wall, while its southern wall intersects a gallery of the Baia Sprie Mine system. Crăpătura Zorilor has a spectacular shape: the old galleries were dug by hand and appear stacked on top of one another or suspended. Because it is unique, it has become one of the most interesting geological and mining sights for visitors.
The Mines Park
Since 2025, Dealul Minei has been part of the Mines Park (Parcul Minelor) — 80 hectares of forest designated as a forest park and laid out by Baia Sprie Town Hall as Romania's first mining theme park. The old mine workings, viewpoints and geological sites are linked by marked themed trails.
Getting there
The starting point is the car park at the end of Crișan Street in Baia Sprie, where there is an information point and a map of the park. Three marked trails start from there: the Main Trail, the Short Mining Circuit and the trail to Francisc Shaft. Details on routes and bookings at parculminelor.ro.
What you'll see
Crăpătura Zorilor is explored from the surface, along the marked trail — no special equipment is needed. Take a close look at the marks of hand digging on the walls: without explosives, miners broke the rock by heating it with fire and cooling it suddenly, then prised it off with chisel and hammer. The galleries opening in the northern wall, some suspended several metres above the canyon floor, show how high the mining climbed along the vein.
Visiting the galleries
The underground galleries may be entered only with specialised guides and proper equipment. Visits are made possible by the specialists of the Montana Caving Club and must be booked in advance. Never enter an old gallery alone: these workings are centuries old, with collapsed sections and unsecured voids.
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