The Thieves' Cave is located on the right slope of the Cerna Valley, at an altitude of 186 m, just 600 m from the statue of Hercules in Herculaneum Baths.
The cave has been inhabited since the Middle Paleolithic and was known to the Romans. It became a tourist attraction starting in the 19th century, with historical inscriptions on the walls, the oldest dating from 1820. The first scientific research was carried out in the 19th century, and in the 1960s and 1970s extensive ecological and archaeological research was carried out .
The cave, having a length of 143 m, is partially lit naturally through the three openings. The galleries and halls of the cave show mundane concretions and clay deposits. The walls are covered with historical and artistic inscriptions, being frequently visited due to its accessibility.
The cave is home to endemic species of crustaceans and millipedes, and cave bear bones have been discovered. Archaeological excavations have revealed Middle Paleolithic and Neolithic tools, including Coțofeni pottery.
The cave is an archaeological reserve, with concrete stairs and fences to protect the excavations. It is accessible to tourists throughout the year, but in the cold season appropriate clothing is recommended.
Source: Caves from Romania, T. Orghidan, Șt. Negrea, Gh. Racoviță, C. Lascu, ed. Sport - Tourism, 1984
